AFRICAN NATIONS

Veteran striker Kanu has denied reports of team disharmony ahead of their African Nations Cup opener against Egypt. Kanu is reported to have fallen out with coach Shaibu Amodu but he insists no such disagreement took place.

He told Nigerian website Vanguard: "It is all lies. People are just spreading rumours to destabilise our team.

"The coach is the one who selects the team and, if we have our opinion as players, it is just to make suggestions, and not to question him or his decisions.''

Kanu might have to settle for a place on the bench tonight with Wolfsburg's former Inter Milan star Obafemi Martins set to start as Nigeria open their campaign with a tricky-looking clash against the two-time defending champions.

Amodu added: "This match will go a long way in putting things right for us.

"The Egyptians, as defending champions, will come out smoking but we will match them grit for grit.''

Egypt do not appear as strong as in previous years, with Mido, Amr Zaki and Mohamed Aboutrika all absent.

Zaki and Aboutrika are injured while Mido was not selected after failing to convince coach Hassan Shehata of his sharpness.

Skipper Ahmed Hassan is wary of a Nigeria squad who can beat any side on the continent on their day.

He told Modern Sport: "Nigeria are a strong team, but we are now familiar with all African teams. I personally want to win a fourth African title with the national team.

"Opening games are always very important. Our match against Nigeria will show how we will perform in the following matches, just like the 2008 tournament.''

Both sides will be under pressure not to lose and it is one of those games that has draw written all over it. We'd be happy taking 9/4 or better the draw. Bet365 were trading at those odds as we write.

There is better value in tonight's FA Cup games and we have a 3 pt bet for members.

Published 12-01-2010

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