Nigeria vs Burundi: Super Eagles eyeing AFCON 2019 opening victory over Swallows
- Nigeria vs Burundi AFCON 2019 opening clash will see both teams battle for first three points in the group
- Super Eagles are making their return to the tournament for the first time since 2013
- Gernot Rohr's men have an edge over their opponent having beaten them in their only previous meeting 2-0 in 1999
Nigeria's Super Eagles kick off their campaign for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations title against Burundi at the Alexandria Stadium on Saturday, June 22.
The three time African champions will be hoping they can announce their return with a good performance having missed out of the last two editions.
Nigeria emerged victorious in South Africa in 2013 against all odds under late coach Stephen Keshi, and they head into this tournament in Egypt as one of the favourites.
READ ALSO: Samuel Kalu, Super Eagles winger, collapsed during AFCON 2019 training in Egypt
This will be the second time these two teams will be meeting in all competitions after their maiden clash ended 2-0 in favour of the Eagles.
Garba Lawal and Finidi George were the goal scorers in the match which was staged at the MKO Abiola Stadium on January 24, 1999.
Nigeria are favourites to win this evening's opener owing to the array of foreign based superstars coach Gernot Rohr listed for the tournament.
Meanwhile, Samuel Kalu gave the team a scare after collapsing during one of their training session earlier on Friday.
Though, initial report said the Bordeaux attacker suffered a heart attack in the process, counter report claims he only collapsed due to dehydration.
However, he is better now and will await doctors confirmation before returning to training with the rest of the team, but apart from that, all other players are in good shape.
On the other hand, the Eagles team will have to watch out for Stoke City star Saido Berahino, who seems to be the top star for coach Olivier Niyungeko's side.
He plays alongside Oghenekaro Etebo in the English Championship and scored three goals in 23 topflight appearances for his club side.
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Another player to be wary off is Mohamed Amissi, who plays for NEC Breda in the Netherlands, while Elvis Kamsoba features for Melbourne Victory in Australia.
Nigeria are in the same group as Burundi, Madagascar and Guinea - a group many feels should not be hard for the Super Eagles to progress to the next stage but other countries will also put up a fight to reach the next round.
- Venue: Alexandria Stadium
- Time: 6pm Nigerian time
- Referee: Bernard Camille (Seychelles)
Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles winger Samuel Kalu was said to have collapsed during the team's training ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations opening clash against Burundi on Saturday.
The 21-year-old Bordeaux attacker was said to be perfecting his corner kick taking skills when he slumped.
However, reports from the Nigerian team camp confirms that the player was immediately rushed to the hospital and has been stabilised.
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Super Eagles will avoid World Cup mistakes at AFCON 2019 - John Ogu - Legit TV
Source: Legit.ng
