AFCON 2019: Guinea Coach Names One Player That Must Start Against Nigeria, Gives Reason

Head coach of Guinea, Paul Put, has confirmed that Liverpool star, Naby Keita, will start against Nigeria in today’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, tie in Egypt.

Put stated that the midfielder must start against the Super Eagles because the player trained at 200 per cent, adding that the Syli Stars lost three of their matches while preparing AFCON without the 24-year-old.

Guinea head to the match after playing a 2-2 draw with Madagascar last weekend while Nigeria defeated Burundi 1-0.

Addressing a press conference on Tuesday in Egypt, Put said: ”You know he had an injury. It was not obvious he participated in the AFCON. We did everything to prepare Naby well.

”He trains at 200%. I think he is physically ready. If he is mentally ready, I think he will start the game.

”Because there is a Syli with Naby Keita and a Syli without him, which we saw during the preparation when Guinea lost all three games without him.”

Nigeria and Guinea have met 17 times in the past, with the Super Eagles winning five, drawing seven and losing five.