Group C – Benin, Egypt, Nigeria, Mozambique

Benin first play Mozambique and a win for the former would boost its morale to face six-time African champions Egypt and West Africa nation Nigeria. Nigerian-born Razak Omotoyossi remains Benin’s most notable and experienced performer. Omotoyossi is a powerful and accurate striker who topped Africa’s Nations Cup/World Cup qualifiers alongside Samuel Eto’o. Coached by Frenchman Michael Dussuyer, The Squirrels know they face an unnerving battle to make the second round.

Egypt are still smarting from the World Cup qualification loss to fierce rivals Algeria. Having won the two previous editions of the Nations Cup, failure to qualify for the World Cup was particularly painful. With a record six titles, The Pharaohs are hoping for a seventh to give the country some consolation for the World Cup failure.

Success in recent times is largely due to Hassan Shehata, the legendary coach whose strict ways and tactical genius has resulted in a largely successful spell with the national side. Midfield supremo Mohammed Aboutreka, who will miss the games due to injury will be sorely missed, this puts much of the playmaking burden on Borussia Dortmund player Mohamed Zidan. A man who may revel in the increased responsibility. Egypt have the players, discipline and talent to win a third consecutive title. However, the injury to Aboutreka coupled with the disappointment of World Cup failure may mean this side is mentally jaded compared to previous ones. A tough semi-final loss seems likely.

The Super Eagles (Nigeria) have been in freefall since the sky soaring days of 1994. Fortune played a great part in their qualification for the World Cup this time around: They only managed to qualify after the last game due to results in another game. The last time Nigeria made it to the final of this event was 10 years ago when they co-hosted with Ghana and they will be itching to go one step further in Angola.



Chelsea’s Mikel Obi is the midfield cog of the current generation of Nigerian football however, goal threats are spread all over the pitch with Taye Taiwo, Yakubu Aiyegbeni and Peter Odemwingie all capable of doing damage to the opposition. First place in their group will be of paramount importance as that means they will avoid the most talented sides until the semi-final. Nigeria have always been a strong team but they are likely to have their wings clipped against one of the West or North African giants.

This is only the fourth finals for Mozambique in their history. Led by captain Manuel ‘Tico Tico’ Bucuane, Mozambique will try to hold their own against Egypt and Nigeria in their group matches. It is highly unlikely they will manage to qualify, but a third place finish ahead of Benin will be deemed satisfactory enough. Coach Mart Nooijk will be seeking to inspire his squad to the level of performance that saw them beat and eliminate Tunisia from the World Cup qualifying rounds.

Prediction:

Nigeria and Egypt would make it to the next round.