The Super Eagles will not only have to withstand the firepower of seven-time champions Egypt, Sudan and Guinea Bissau at next year’s AFCON, but also the sizzling heat at their Group D match venue in Cameroon.
Nigeria also battled the heat in Egypt two years ago, but reports suggest the heat in Cameroon will be a lot more challenging with daytime temperature put at around 36 degrees.
Garoua in Northern Cameroon is the farthest of the five match venues and it will be hot by the time the Eagles, dominated by pros from Europe, kick off their 2021 AFCON campaign against Egypt on January 11.
That group opener is slated for 6pm, so too their next game four days later against Sudan, who should be able to cope well with the local conditions in the birthplace of former CAF boss Issa Hayatou.
Their final group game against dark horses Guinea Bissau on January 19 will have a late kick-off time of 9pm, which should be more cheering news for coach Gernot Rohr and his troops.