Africa Cup of Nations, Angola 10-31 January
Venue: Ombaka National Stadium, Benguela Date: Tuesday, 12 January 2010 Kick-off: 1600 GMT Coverage: Live on Eurosport
**Rumours of a rift in the Nigeria camp have been played down ahead of their opening Group C clash against Egypt.**Nigeria striker Kanu insists there has been no row with coach Shaibu Amodu, but the veteran is expected to be dropped for Obafemi Martins.
Defending champions Egypt are weakened with Mido, Amr Zaki and Mohamed Aboutricka all absent from the squad.
Zaki and Aboutricka are injured, while Mido failed to convince Egypt coach Hassan Shehata of his match fitness.
Egyptian captain Ahmed Hassan is not expecting an easy ride against the two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions.
“Nigeria are a strong team,” he said.
“The Egyptians will come out smoking but we will match them”
Nigeria coach Shaibu Amodu
“But we are now familiar with all African teams.”
Meanwhile, Kanu insists that rumours of disharmony in the Nigeria camp are “lies” designed to “destabilise the team”.
“That coach is the one who selects the team,” he said.
“If we have our opinion as players, it is just to make suggestions, and not to question him or his decisions.”
Coach Amodu added: "This match will go a long way in putting things right for us.
“The Egyptians, as defending champions, will come out smoking but we will match them grit for grit.”