Coach Cuper sets Egypt squad for Nigeria clash

The Pharaohs lost to Jordan before beating Libya amid preparations for the Nigeria match in the 2017 Cup of Nations’ qualifiers

Egypt coach Hector Cuper says his team benefitted greatly from the recent camp in Aswan and insists he has already settled on the lineup for the anticipated clash against Nigeria.

Egypt lost 1-0 to Jordan Wednesday before beating Libya 2-0 Friday in the second friendly match of the camp amid preparations for the crucial 2017 Cup of Nations’ qualifiers against Nigeria in March.

“We gained a lot from the two friendly matches in Aswan as we examined both the old and new players,” Cuper was quoted as saying by the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) official website late Friday.

“We called 32 players for the Aswan camp. Some proved themselves while others were below the level. We will call a fewer number of players in the coming camp ahead of the Nigeria match.

“I’d like to thank the football associations of both Jordan and Libya for accepting to face us outside FIFA dates.

“I have already settled on the lineup that will appear against Nigeria,” the former Valencia and Inter Milan boss concluded.

The defeat to Jordan is Egypt’s second since Argentinean boss Cuper took over in March 2015 after the 1-0 loss they suffered to Chad in the first leg of a World Cup qualifiers last November. Egypt recovered in the second leg to crush their modest opponents 4-0 and reach the qualifying group phase.

They are on top of Group G of the Nations Cup qualifiers with 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.