Three Teams Nigeria Would Do Well To Avoid In AFCON Draw Today

The AFCON draw have been slated to take place today, Tuesday 17th August 2021 in the host national Cameroon. And this has raised interest across the countries within the African continent as well as at the global world at large.

The host nation Cameroon have been seeded in POT 1 alongside other top African side like Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Senegal and Nigeria. This pairing from each pot makes it interesting as we look forward to the draw later on.

With West African giants Nigeria seeded among top sides mentioned above they would be fine if they avoid any early bust-up with rugged sides in the group stage.

This should see the Gernot Rohr side aim to skip early tests from some African sides not out of fear but in view of his team preference.

On this note, we take a look at the team Nigeria would be dreading as the AFCON Draw take place in Yaoundé, Cameroon.

EGYPT (North Africa)

The North African giants may not possess the kind of players overall to threaten Nigeria’s quest in the group stage.

But the team's rank and pedigree could be a major take why the Super Eagles may want to skip them in the draw.

Egypt have been seeded among the second pot based on their FIFA rankings and a meeting with Nigeria’s Super Eagles looks probable.

The talent of David Trezeguet and Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah could pose a task to the Eagles' aspiration in the group if both teams square up early on in the early stage of the tournament in Cameroon.

GABON (Central Africa)

The Central African Nation would have the talent of Mario Lemina and Denis Bouanga to call upon in their quest to perform pretty well at the biennial African Championship early next year.

The Super Eagles are well placed (rank) by FIFA rating but the unknown quantities in the Gabon sides could present some form of hostility to the Eagles side.

And the fact the pressure would be on Gernot Rohr's Nigerian side to get the result against the Central Africans would be another story if they clash at the AFCON group stages.

They are led by Arsenals skipper Pierre Emerick Aubameyang who has the class to trouble the Nigerian defence on his day.

Cape Verde Islands (Island of Africa)

The Cape Verde side are known as one of the giant killers in African football. They’ve troubled side Cameroon on the African scene in times past.

And a draw pairing them with Nigeria could present another opportunity for them to sting the West African giants.

Though Gernot Rohr’s men may be boosted by the form of his midfield exploit in the Premier League. But sides like Cape Verde are a tough nut to crack especially in the tournament proper.

The onus would be on the Nigeria side to unleash the attacking sect of Paul Onuachu, Henry Onyekuru and Eagles prospect Ademola Lookman alongside S.S.C Napoli star Victor Osimhen.

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While they make do of the midfield ideas coming from Frank Onyeka (Brentford City), Wilfred Ndidi (Leicester City) and Oghenekaro Etebo (loan at Watford) in the central areas.

This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago