Preview: Egypt face Nigeria in first stern test under Cuper

Hector Cuper will be facing his first stern test against Nigeria when both sides vie for the top Group G spot in Kaduna on Friday at 18:00 CLt

In an enticing top of the group clash, Egypt will be hoping for a fine result at Group G rivals Nigeria when the African powerhouses lock horns in a crunch Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Kaduna on Friday.
With both sides facing off once again four days later at Borg El-Arab Stadium, Egypt will be looking for an auspicious start to the crucial double-header that would largely determine the group leaders who would make it to the 2017 Nations Cup in Gabon.
Aside from playing away from home at a 30,000-seater Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Egypt manager Hector Cuper will be tasked with finding a way to contain the threat of the hosts' formidable attack.
Led by Watford striker Odion Ighalo, the Super Eagles have a front man to be reckoned with after taking his goal tally to 15 English Premier League goals, in addition to another two in the FA Cup this season.
"My attitude towards these two matches against Egypt would be similar to Watford's," Ighalo, 26, told CAF's official website.
"I will give my best and play with a lot of determination. We know the matches against Egypt are not going to be easy but with determination, we shall be victorious.”
Another Europe-based Nigerian forward enjoying a fine run of goals is CSKA Moscow's Ahmed Musa, who netted a total of 14 goals for his Russian side in all competitions so far in his campaign.
Musa, who also impressed at the 2014 World Cup, said he is determined to score against the Cup of Nations record-holders.
“I am not desperate to score against Egypt, but I get this inner feeling that I will register my name on the score sheet on Friday,” Musa told Completesportsnigeria.com.
“The important thing is for us to play as a team and win the match, but I will take my chance if it comes. We are determined to win here [in Nigeria] and go to the return leg in Alexandria with all our might to get a result."
Having impressed for Arsenal of late, Alex Iwobi is another attacking weapon at interim Nigeria manager Samson Siasia's disposal, with the 19-year-old repaying the faith of Arsene Wenger in the recent 2-0 league win at Everton.
West Ham forward Victor Moses also provides an attacking outlet out wide, but his season has not been as prolific as Ighalo and Musa's, having been derailed by a series of muscle injuries.
In midfield, Chelsea key holder John Obi Mikel is a sure starter at the centre of the park after being given a new lease on life by interim coach Guus Hiddink, who replaced Jose Mourinho in December last year.
Unlike their attack and midfield, Nigeria's backline do not boast quite similarly prominent players, with Celtic centre-back Efe Ambrose likely to partner with Caykur Rizespor's Godfrey Oboabona at the heart of defence.
Cuper to rely on Salah, Elneny
On the other side, Egypt boss Cuper will be looking to bank on AS Roma wide forward Mohamed Salah as his most devastating attacking weapon after bagging 11 Serie A goals this season since his summer move from Chelsea.
Should the left-footed Salah be afforded space on the right flank, he is likely to cause Nigeria all sorts of trouble with his massive pace and dribbling skills unsettling opponents' defences.
Upfront, Sporting Braga hit man Ahmed "Koka" Hassan is expected to lead the line following another successful season for his Portuguese outfit, where he scored a total of 13 goals in all competitions, including three in the Europa League.
Whether Argentinean boss Cuper will deploy a 4-2-3-1 or a 4-3-3 formation remains to be seen, though skilful Ahly winger Ramadan Sobhi is likely to occupy the left flank in either formation.
In midfield, the ex-Valencia boss has a wealth of options, with Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny, Zamalek holder Tarek Hamed and Ahly skipper Hossam Ghaly providing a variety in the middle of the pitch.
Elneny is likely to start after making a notable impact at Arsenal since his winter move from Swiss side Basel, with Wenger giving him the nod in crunch games against Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona.
The 23-year-old was up to the task, putting in a very fine performance at White Hart Lane in a crucial Premier League encounter, before hitting a superb goal at Barcelona in the Champions League.
In such a difficult test, Cuper is almost certain to field defensive Zamalek midfielder Hamed to protect his defence, given that Ghaly is primarily a deep-lying playmaker capable of dictating play rather than disrupting the opponents' attack.
Egypt's major headache, however, is the left-back zone, with regular full-back Mohamed Abdel-Shafi injured.
As a result, Cuper has only been left with Zamalek's right-footed converted centre-back Hamada Tolba and Ahly's Sabri Rahil, who is not quite adept at defending that zone.
Following the omission of Hull-City right wing-back Ahmed Elmohamady, Hazem Emam and Omar Gaber are to occupy the right-back slot, with the latter's chances to start much higher.
At the centre of defence, it remains to be seen who will be Cuper's centre-back pairing, with the highly-physical quartet Ahmed Hegazy, Ramy Rabia, Ahmed Dwidar and Ali Gabr all available.
Between the sticks, first-choice keeper Ahmed El-Shennawi is certain to start.
Egypt, who have yet to reach the Nations Cup since last winning the title in 2010, are currently at the top of the group with six points, two ahead of second-placed Nigeria.
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