Pharaohs, Eagles In Battle Of Dubai

The stage is set for tonight’s International Friendly match between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Pharaohs of Egypt, in Dubai.

The clash, which appeared would not hold after it was postponed will hold at the Al Maktoum Stadium in Dubai from 8pm UAE time, about 5pm Nigerian time.

To ensure that he does not lose the tie, Head Coach of the Pharaohs, America’s Bob Bradley invited veteran striker, Mohammed Aboutrika, goalkeeper, Essam El Hadary and a host of others to fortify the team.

Despite the fact that the Egyptians have tested legs, Warri Wolves defender, Azubuike Egwuekwe has vowed to work with the other players to stop Aboutrika and his Egyptian teammates from scoring against Nigeria.

Egwuekwe expressed confidence that the Eagles’, drawn from the Nigeria Premier League, NPL will not play a second fiddle against the array of stars which Egypt will present.

“Personally, I will do my best to stop Aboutrika and other strikers from reaching our goal area. It will be a tough match but we are ready to challenge Egypt,” Egwuekwe assured.

Egwuekwe has become the mainstay of the Eagles back four and even started a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Rwanda in February ahead of several Europe-based professionals.

Sharing Egwuekwe’s optimism is Rangers left winger, Ejike Uzoenyi, who said they are in high spirits and raring to go all out for victory

“We are in high spirits for the game and ready to beat Egypt,” Uzoenyi said.

The last clash between the two teams was at the 2010 AFCON in Angola, which Egypt won 3-1 on their way to annexing their record seventh Nations Cup crown.

Enyimba stars Gbolahan Salami and Nura Mohammed are major doubts for the game after knocks in training.

Eagles spokesman Ben Alaiya disclosed that coach Stephen Keshi has said he may not risk them as a result of their injuries.

Ikechukwu Ibenegbu, popularly known as ‘Mosquitoe,’ who has been consistent in Keshi’s new team said: “We are happy about the prospect of playing this big game against Egypt. And, as Nigeria’s ambassadors, we have resolved to play our hearts out and defeat the Egyptians in Dubai.