Egypt national team coach is hoping to defeat Nigeria when both sides meet at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium in March.
The seven-time African champions who have missed the last three editions of the biennial African football showpiece top Group G with six points from two games.
Before the crunch tie billed for Kaduna, the north Africans will face Burkina Faso billed for Saturday.
Speaking in a press conference ahead of the Stallions’ encounter, the Argentine tactician is will be hoping to use the game against the 2013 African Cup of Nations runners to test some players in the Egyptian league.
“I am happy to meet with the players again in order to explain my thoughts and therefore increase the harmony between them and the coaching staff,” Cuper said.
“Burkina Faso’s game will prepare us well for the Nigeria clash in the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers, despite not having our players abroad, this is a good chance to test our local league’s best players,” he added.
Cuper then revealed the possibility of new players joining the camp ahead of Nigeria’s clash claiming he is not moved by the inconsistency of Al Ahly and Zamalek.
“The exclusion of some players from this training camp, doesn’t mean they won’t be called up for Nigeria’s clash,” he continued.
“They just have to work harder and prove their worth. Therefore new players might get called up for Nigeria training camp.
“I’m not worried by Al Ahly and Zamalek’s inconsistent form; this is the time for new teams and players to shine.
“I hope we beat Nigeria or at least maintain the two-point difference between us, in order to qualify to the African Cup of Nations,” he concluded.
Culled from Goal.com