Nigerian striker Odion Ighalo has talked about the importance of the upcoming matches against Egypt and expressed his eagerness to face the Pharaohs.
In statements made to the CAF website, Nigerian striker has expressed his excitement to face Egypt saying: “I’m looking forward to the AFCON qualifier against Egypt like every Nigerian.”
Egypt and Nigeria are set to face in Kaduna on March 25 before meeting again in Alexandria four days later in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 26-year old striker will surely cause troubles for the Egyptian defenders due to his fine form in the English Premier League while playing for Watford and tallying up 14 goals in the league.
On the importance of the games against Egypt Ighalo said: “These matches are important and crucial towards our aspirations of playing at the next tournament in Gabon.
“My attitude towards these two matches against Egypt would be similar to Watford’s. I will give my best and play with lots of determination.
He added: “We know the matches against Egypt are not going to be easy but with determination, we shall be victorious.”
Ighalo has expressed the need for the team’s collective efforts to win against Egypt saying: “Against Egypt, it is not only about counting on Odion Ighalo. It is going to be about team effort and I want to believe as a team, we have what it takes to confront Egypt.
“For instance at Watford, if I don’t score others still do because football is a team effort; and I want to believe with our collective effort, we would get good results against Egypt.”
The marksman has recently helped the Hornets qualify for the FA Cup semi finals after beatingArsenal; and on the prospect of playing at Wembley he said: “It has always been a dream to play at the Wembley Stadium because it is regarded as the traditional home of football in England.
“My focus now is on the coming matches against Egypt and as I said earlier, our collective efforts would see us through.”