Nigeria battle seven-time African champions, Egypt, over two legs to decide who claim top spot in Group G in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Pharaohs, who missed out on the last two editions, announced a 23-man squad for the tie against the Super Eagles – with only five of the players playing outside the country.
With less than one week before the first of two crackers between these sides in Kaduna, we narrow our lens to five Egyptians who could hurt Samson Siasia’s side.
- Mohamed Elneny – Arsenal
Mohamed Elneny is seen by many as the engine room of the Pharaohs’ midfield with three goals in 39 appearances. The new Arsenal recruit will be pivotal to the chances of Egypt causing an upset or at least snatching a point against Nigeria when both teams clash at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium next Friday.
Having served a glimpse of what he is capable of doing with a spectacular strike at Camp Nou against Barcelona, it will be suicidal to ignore the former Basel man.
“He’s a very bright boy, very team-orientated and understands the game very quickly,” club manager Arsene Wenger said about the 23-year-old.
“He’s very keen to learn and he has a good combination of ambition and humility. That is a very good thing.”
Elneny represented Egypt at the 2012 London Olympics and boasts an impressive passing ability, work-rate and great team play.
- Mohamed Salah – AS Roma
Skilful, pacy and equally sleek, Mohamed Salah usually operates from the left wing of the Pharaohs attack. Just like Elneny, Salah came into prominence at local side, El Mokawloon, before joining Basel in 2012 and then featuring at the summer Olympics same year.
The 23-year-old has become an instant hit in the Italian Serie A following his summer move to Roma from Chelsea – with 10 goals in 30 games.
No wonder La Maggica coach, Luciano Spalletti, said about the 2012 CAF Most Promising Talent: “He has a great quality. He has the ability to change the game with a play.”
- Marwan Mohsen – Ismaily
Marwan Mohsen, who plays for Ismaily, is incidentally the only home-based player in our list. Mohsen, 27, is probably the most lethal Egyptian striker at the moment with 10 goals in equal number of games in the Egyptian Premier League.
Described as “one of the best forwards” in Egypt by former coach, Hany Ramzy, Mohsen has been consistent in front of goal – scoring on his debut for the Pharaohs in 2012 and excelling at the Olympics same year.
His strength and pace are his strong points.
- Ahmed Hassan Mahgoub- Sporting Braga
Ahmed Hassan is identified as the danger man in the Pharaohs squad and he is expected to lead the assault on the Super Eagles in the double header billed for Kaduna and Alexandria.
Tall, physically strong and sound technically, Hassan is somewhat reminiscent of Ahmed Mido, albeit with a much better attitude.
Kouka, as the 23-year-old is fondly called, notched an impressive 23 goals in 66 games for Rio Ave before joining Sporting Braga where he continued his run with nine strikes in 16 games thus far.
Hassan has found the net all but once he has kitted for his country with five strikes in six including four in his last three.
- Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ – Anderlecht
Mahmoud Hassan ‘Trezeguet’ is a combative attacking midfielder, currently on loan at Anderlecht from Al Ahly.
The highly rated deep-lying playmaker is adept at making surging runs going forward, fuelled with energy and great ball control. These qualities are likely due to the fact that he was raised as a striker, thus improving his skills and shooting ability.
The 21-year-old shone for his country at the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2013 – scoring against England.
The Super Eagles central midfield must be wary of the dynamism and attacking threat posed by Hassan.
