On Friday evening, the Super Eagles of Nigeria will face the Pharoahs of Egypt, in an important AFCON 2017 qualifier.
If you will cut to the chase, this is a crucial game for both ailing African giants, as their recent outings – or lack of it – has left a lot to be desired.
So, call it the road to redemption if you will. But this double header that will be played out over four days in Kaduna and Alexandria, will surely make the path to Gabon next year clearer.
Who are the players the teams can rely on to set them on their way?
1. Mohamed Salah: Quick, tricky and direct. The Roma winger has shown over the past two seasons, why he is one of Africa’s best forwards playing in Europe. Salah will not only torment Nigeria’s defence, he will create loads of chances.
2. Alex Iwobi: Pressure? What pressure? This 19-year-old dreamy-eyed boy knows nothing of the sort. Thrown in at the deep end at the Nou Camp in the Champions League and Goodison Park in the Premier League within one week, Iwobi came out unscathed and ready to do his country of birth proud this week.
3. Mohamed Elneny: Another Arsenal man whose star is steadily on the rise. Most football fans did not know of the box-to-box midfielder till he arrived at the Emirates in January. And his recent performances have been excellent. Elneny is calm and aware. He will seek to dictate pace and direction of the match for Egypt.
4. John Mikel Obi: The newly installed captained of the Super Eagles, is having a quiet but remarkable renaissance under Guus Hiddink at Chelsea. Mikel Obi will have a similar role to Elneny for Nigeria. The 28-year-old will seek to impose himself in the middle of the park and ensure the traffic is flowing in the other direction.
5. Odion Ighalo: Forget his mini-drought if you will. Ighalo is one of the best strikers in England as we speak. Leave him unattended to in your penalty area at your peril. Ask Gabriel Paulista, who he held off and finished smartly in the FA Cup, to break his duck two weeks ago. His goals will also be important for Samson Siasia’s men on Friday.
___________________________________ ‘Ifreke Inyang tweets via @Ifreke
Comments