The Super Eagles of Nigeria were drawn in one of the easiest group yesterday, as the draw for Egypt 2019 Africa Cup of Nations was held in Cairo.The three-time African champions will play their Group B matches against Guinea, Madagascar and Burundi.The tournament, which holds in Egypt, is the biggest yet with 24 teams and the first to be held in Europe’s summer rather than January or February.
It will take place from June 21 to July 19, meaning European-based players will not need to miss club games.The host nation, Egypt will face DR Congo, Uganda and Zimbabwe in Group A. Senegal, Algeria, Kenya and Tanzania will do battle in Group C, while Morocco, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Namibia are in Group D, which many see as the ‘Group of death.’Group E has Tunisia, Mali, Mauritania and Angola, while the defending champions, Lions of Cameroun will do battle against Ghana, Benin Republic and Guinea-Bissau in Group F.
The draw ceremony was conducted by Mustapha Hadji of Morocco, El Hadji Diouf of Senegal, Ahmed Hassan of Egypt and Yaya Toure of Cote d’Ivoire.The 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) was originally scheduled to hold in Cameroun, but the country was stripped of the event because of delays in the progress of their preparation.
The tournament will feature 24 teams, an increase from the 16 that took part in the 2017 edition in Gabon.There are three debutants this year in Burundi, Madagascar and Mauritania.The hosts, Egypt, are the most decorated side, having won the AFCON on seven occasions, and most recently in 2010.
