I'm Not Afraid Of Nigeria Says Cuper

Egypt head coach, Hector Cuper, has stated that he holds no fear for their opponents, including Nigeria, ahead of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification, which commences June this year.

The Pharaohs of Egypt have been drawn in Group G with Nigeria's Super Eagles, Tanzania and Chad.

Cuper said he has respect for all of their Afcon qualifying opponents and nothing more.

The 59-year-old Egyptian manager is only concerned about winning the Afcon qualifying group to ensure his team avoid missing the tournament again.

“I am not afraid of any of these teams [in the Afcon qualifiers], I just respect all of them. For me, Nigeria are like Tanzania and Chad and will not give any team priority and will not abuse any of them too. All what I can say is that I will prepare my team well to book the automatic ticket,” Cuper said.

The seven-time African champions will kick off their Afcon qualification against Tanzania on June 14 and Cuper acknowledged it is a debut test in his managerial career in charge of the Pharaohs.

Cuper has already laid down his plans ahead of the clash with Taifa Stars.

“That is the first test for me and I will prepare good for this game. We will hold three camps in May with a friendly match and then in June with another friendly test before the big clash,” Cuper disclosed.

Already Cuper's plan to run a camping programme drawing up majority of the players from the Egyptian Premier League clubs has received criticism from head coaches of the clubs.

But the Argentine coach has stated that he would set up a meeting with the Egyptian club coaches to explain to them his plan to help the country's senior national team.

“I understand them and if I was a team head coach I would be angry too but they should help the national team. I will meet them to talk and put my plan before them,” He ended.

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