Nigeria v Egypt Match Preview | 2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
Match info:
Date & Time: 25 MAR 2016 @ 18:00 Cairo Local Time
Venue: Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna
2017 Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier
In Group G, Nigeria host Egypt on Friday before travelling to Cairo for the return leg four days later.
Only the 13 group winners are guaranteed automatic qualification – the two best-placed runners’ up also qualify.
The seven-time African champions Egypt won the tournament the last three times they participated (2006, 2008 and 2010), though failed to qualify for the next three tournaments under the helms of various managers including Hassan Shehata, his assistant Shawky Gharib and American Bob Bradley.
Egyptian National Team News
Ahly midfielder Moemen Zakareya to replace Zamalek’s Mostafa Fathi
Hector Cuper has called-up Ahly midfielder Moemen Zakareya to replace Zamalek’s Mostafa Fathi who picked up an injury on Monday.
Egypt’s key players:
Mohamed Salah
The rising Roma and Egyptian star Salah, who was acknowledged for his performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League two weeks ago, joined the Italian giants last summer after an eye-catching performance in his loan to Fiorentina from Chelsea.
Mohamed Elneny
Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who began to book a regular place in the starting lineups, became the first Egyptian ever to score against Barcelona in an official match last week during the Gunners’ 3-1 away defeat in the UEFA Champions League.
The 23-year-old star Elneny joined the Premier League club in January from Swiss side FC Basel.
Ahmed Hassan KOUKA
SC Braga star Koka is developing into a very interesting striker. Tall, physically strong and sound technically, he is somewhat reminiscent of Mido, only with much better attitude, he has 13 goals & 5 assists with his new team SC Barga.
Essam El Hadary
Egypt’s legendary goalkeeper Essam El Hadary who is in an amazing form at the age of 43.
Four Africa Cup of Nations champion and best goalkeeper at the 2006, 2008 and 2010 editions, has been in impressive for Wadi Degla in the Egyptian topflight and will hope to replicate similar performances.
What did the coach say?
Egypt coach Hector Cuper
“We can beat Nigeria and it’s impossible to repeat what happened against Ghana when the team lost 6-1,” Cuper told a news conference on Sunday.
“I usually don’t promise any certain outcomes but I’m confident that we are capable of overcoming Nigeria.”
“I have the utmost confidence in the abilities of my players.”
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Iwobi hospitalized with food poisoning
Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi has been hospitalised in Nigerian capital Abuja after falling ill from food poisoning but should be ready to play against Egypt in Friday’s African Cup of Nations qualifier.
Iwobi, 19, was too sick to train with the rest of the Super Eagles squad ahead of the clash at home to Egypt in Kaduna.
“He suffered from food poisoning and so was not part of the training. But his condition is stable,” Nigeria coach Samson Siasia told a news conference.
Iwobi probably got sick after eating a salad, Siasia said.
Nigeria’s key players:
Mikel Obi
Mikel is now Chelsea’s second longest-serving player behind captain John Terry, who is set to leave at the end of the campaign, in the current squad.
He has won 10 major trophies, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles.
Alex Iwobi
The 19-year-old winger was destined to commit his international future to Nigeria, the country of his birth, but has represented England at under-16, 17 and 18 levels – opening the door for a last-ditch attempt to persuade him otherwise.
Victor Moses
Victor Moses, West Ham United winger who is making a return to the Super Eagles after a long injury-occasioned layoff.
Moses, has seven goals in 27 Nigeria appearances.
What did the coach say?
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia
Nigeria coach Samson Siasia is adopting a “no fear” approach.
“I am full of confidence, and as long as the boys play to instruction, we do not have anything to worry about,” Siasia was quoted as saying by Nigerian newspaper Vanguard?.
“We are playing at home and we must make sure that we win at home, no matter what it takes us. Egypt can’t beat us, I assure you that. So there is no need for panic.”
Previous matches Egypt & Nigeria VIDEO
2010
2012
