Lazio of Italy and Nigerian defensive midfielder, Ogenyi Onazi is optimistic that the Super Eagles can tame Egyptian front man, Mohammed Salah and his Pharaohs teammates when both sides lock horns in the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifier later this month.
A former Chelsea winger, Salah has been in a great form since his return from injury and at the weekend led Roma to a fantastic 4-1 win over Fiorentina scoring two goals in the process to hand new manager, Luciano Spalletti a seven game unbeaten run.
The winger is expected to lead the Egyptians to Nigeria for the first leg of the double-header clash in Kaduna on March 25 before hosting the Nigerians in Alexandria on the 29th.
Onazi, however, is not ignorant of the challenge the Eagles are currently facing and has express his readiness to help the Eagles defeat the Egyptians home and away.
He told Sportinglife, “We know Mohammed Salah very well and can handle him, the Egyptians have other good players like Bassem Morsi who scored a hat-trick against Chad and the Arsenal guy, Mohamed El Nenny but we’ll be ready for them.
“Personally, I’m 100% fit and have been training very well and can’t wait to put on the colours of Nigeria.”
Onazi, who made the 43-man squad to play Egypt released last Thursday by interim manager, Samson Siasia alongside Chelsea vice-captain, Mikel Obi, is happy with his midfield partnership with the in-form Chelsea star.
He added, “Mikel is a natural leader and I enjoy playing alongside him – hopefully, together we can keep the midfield solid and make it difficult for the Egyptians to score.”
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