After yesterday’s giant killing feat of Benin over Morocco, there is a general acceptance that no team can be underestimated.
Today, there are two big games which should capture the imagination of all. First of the games will be what many have dubbed ‘the final before the final’ as two super powers, Nigeria and Cameroon face off for a place in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria and Cameroon also have eight trophies between them. Cameroon with five and Nigeria with three.
The stakes a high for a Cameroon side that has failed to get the much needed goals and a Nigerian side that needs to make a strong statement after shock defeat to debutants Madagascar.
Both sides were rocked by bonus rows, the Cameroonians just before the tournament whiles the Nigerians staged their protest during the group phase.
The Super Eagles, though, head into this clash on the back of what some might call a rather embarrassing defeat against Madagascar.
Nigeria defender William Troost-Ekong insists that the defeat has fired them up.
The Super Eagles won their first two games in Alexandria but were surprisingly pipped to top spot in Group B by newcomers Madagascar after an underwhelming display in their final match.
“Everyone was upset about the last game against Madagascar so I think everyone has that extra motivation. It’s do or die because we know we have to do everything to stay in the tournament,” Troost-Ekong told reporters on Friday ahead of the last-16 tie.
“It’s going to be a tough game against Cameroon. We faced them in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers and they might be out for revenge so we have to be ready for them.”
Head-to-head
Nigeria have won 11 of the 22 meetings between the African heavyweights, with eight draws and three successes for Cameroon.
This should be a tasty clash.
Stay with us for all the updates at 4pm GMT.
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