When Egypt face Nigeria in a Nations Cup qualifying double-header, the main task for the two sides will be shackling a number of skilful and mercurial forwards at both ends.
Egypt and Nigeria lock horns in two crucial clashes on Friday and Tuesday which can go a long way in deciding the eventual Group G winners who will automatically qualify for next year’s Nations Cup finals in Gabon.
Both sides can proudly boast that their squads are brimming with attacking talents as they vie for the group leadership, including some who ply their trade in famed European leagues and high-profile clubs.
For Egypt, AS Roma winger Mohamed Salah, who has made a fine impact in the Italian capital since joining from English champions Chelsea last summer, is the team’s most lethal weapon who will be part of two or three attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker.
Salah will most likely be assisted by Ahly prodigy Ramadan Sobhi, who at 18 years is gaining widespread acclaim for a distinguished ability to skip past his markers in domestic competitions although he is yet to be tested on the international stage.
Both, plus a possible third depending on how bold coach Hector Cuper will be in Friday’s away fixture in Kaduna, will be seeking to carve out openings and feed a lone frontman who is likely to be Portugal-based Ahmed ‘Kouka’ Hassan.
Sporting Braga’s Kouka staked his claim for a regular place in Egypt’s starting line-up by scoring 13 goals in all competitions so far this season, including three in the Europa League to help his side reach the competition’s quarter finals.
Given the loss of form of Zamalek’s Bassem Morsi, who could not even make Egypt’s squad, Kouka will shoulder the burden of delivering in the final third, with Argentinean Cuper highly unlikely to play with two strikers.
Nigeria are equally powerful upfront, with an array of established or up-and-coming forwards likely to cause constant problems to Egypt’s backline, which is devoid of reliable full-backs following the injury of veteran left-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi.
Alex Iwobi, 19, is gradually garnering attention in the English Premier League with some convincing displays with Arsenal while Odion Ighalo is enjoying a season to remember in the elite competition, scoring 15 goals with modest side Watford.
West Ham’s Victor Moses and CSKA Moscow’s Ahmed Musa also provide experience and vitality on the flanks respectively.
“What we are praying for is that our foreign based players give the game their best and win the first leg before going for the final kill in the second leg duel,” Nigerian Football Federation chief Amaju Pinnick was quoted as saying by local website Vanguard.com.
“With the form of Iwobi, Mikel, Odion and other players in England and other leagues of Europe, Egypt know they are in real trouble and will not escape defeat in Kaduna.
“Already, some of the players have called to reassure us that they would show no mercy against Egypt and I believe them. We are not taking any chances against the Pharaohs.”
Another key battle lies in central midfield, where Egypt are likely to rely on the energy of Arsenal’s Mohamed Elneny and astute passes of Ahly’s veteran anchorman Hossam Ghaly to control the area.
This will be opposed by Chelsea’s experienced midfielder John Obi Mikel, who might be accompanied by Kano Pillars’ youngster Ifeanyi Matthew as Lazio’s Ogenyi Onazi will miss the Kaduna game through suspension.
