Author: Chidozie Okoroji

Algeria coach Djamel Belmadi has urged his side to focus less on their star player Riyad Mahrez if they are to be successful at the 2019 African Cup of Nations in Egypt.

Egypt assistant coach Hany Ramzy expects the side to fix errors which were visible in their Africa Cup of Nations opener against Zimbabwe on Friday night.

Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye is eager to welcome Sadio Mane into the squad after he missed their opening 2019 Africa Cup of Nations game against Tanzania on Sunday.

Samuel Eto’o Fils is backing Barcelona to sign Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah who is currently playing in the Africa Cup of Nations, where Egypt kicked the tournament off with a 1-0 victory against Zimbabwe.

Hosts Egypt got their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations of to a winning start at a packed Cairo International Stadium.  A fine strike from Kasimpasa striker Trezeguet in the 41st minute was enough for Javier Aguirre’s side in a game which saw the tempo drop off considerably in the second 45′. Zimbabwe were valiant and full of endeavour but lacked a cutting edge of quality in their quest to break the Egyptians down. Mo Salah looked good for the home side who may have cruised in the second half, aware that bigger battles lie ahead.

Olufemi Anikulapo-Kuti, Nigeria’s Afrobeat singer, Hakim and Dobet Gnahoré, Egyptian and Ivorian stars, will all perform at the African Cup of Nations opening ceremony on Friday.

The agent of Jorginho, Joao Santos has suggested that the Chelsea midfielder is interested in a reunion with Maurizio Sarri at Juventus.

Wilfred Ndidi has submitted ahead of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations that the team is full of confidence and as a result, are not scared or worried about facing any of the 24 participating teams.

Henry Onyekuru has revealed how happy as well as excited he is with the current mood in the camp of the Eagles, while he believes the team is ready for the AFCON adventure which begins on Saturday.

Super Eagles midfielder Ogenyi Onazi has backed the national team to win the Africa Cup of Nations based on dedication and hard work, which he believes will help the team go far in the tournament.