Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) recently approved Nigeria’s request to have their AFCON 2017 showdown against Egypt in Nigeria shifted by three days from the earlier planned date of 23rd march to 26 of March, a decision that owngoalnigeria.com can authoritatively reveal favours the Super Eagles than the Pharaohs of Egypt.
Although the shift was necessitated for ongoing works at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium to be completed it still gives Nigeria an edge as it comes only three days before the scheduled second-leg in Egypt.
Aside that the Egyptian side will suffer a heavy schedule amid the change, especially as most key players from Ahly and Zamalek clubs have other African commitments between 18-20 March, a week before the two-leg national teams clash.
The Pharaohs are on top of Group G of the Nations Cup qualifiers with a maximum six points from wins over Tanzania and Chad. Nigeria are second on four points.
Egypt are bidding to reach the Nations Cup for the first time since winning the last of their record seven titles in 2010 while Nigeria are trying to make up for the disappointments of failing to qualify for the last edition as defending Champions.
