Nigeria forward Osaze Odemwingie has said that his team will defeat defending champions Egypt when the African Nations Cup kicks off in January, according to Brila FM. The Lokomotiv Moscow player said the spirit that saw the team fight their way to a place in the South Africa 2010 World Cup would see it through in Angola, taking them past the back-to-back champions and on to the trophy.

”Egypt has been in control for so long in Africa but at the moment they are not as good as in the past. They are on the decline and this is the time for the Eagles to hold their own and dominate the continent, It was the determination of the players that got us where we are. If we could show that spirit again, we are sure to make it to the final.” Odemwingie said.

Nigeria and Egypt have met seven times at the Nations Cup with the Eagles claiming four victories along with two draws. Egypt have beaten Nigeria only once at the competition, in 1963 in Kumasi, Ghana.