The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) believes that such stars as Chelsea midfielder John Obi Mikel and West Ham striker Victor Moses, would have an important role to play against Egypt in their double header in the Afrocam Nations Cup qualifiers.
The Super Eagles will host the Pharaohs on March 25 in Kaduna before playing them again four days later at Borg El-Arab stadium in Alexandria.
Mikel and Moses are leading a 43-man preliminary list that also includes other stars such as CSKA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa, Manchester City youngster Kelechi Iheanacho and Watford striker Odion Ighalo, who has scored 15 goals for his side in the Premier League so far this season.
“Egypt will be coming with their best players and I strongly feel Mikel and Moses’ wealth of experience will come in handy if we are to pick three points against Egypt in Kaduna,” the NFF said on Tuesday.
“I am really impressed with Mikel’s attitude towards this important game; he has called in to confirm his readiness for the clash
“Victor Moses has pledged to return too and this is quite encouraging at a time we need our top players against Egypt.
The newly-appointed coach has admitted that Egypt’s clash will be tough, calling on the Nigerians to support the team and “show belief” in them.
“I want to passionately appeal to Nigerians, everybody, to show belief in the team and give us total support,” they said.
It will not be easy, but if we stick together and present a united force to fight this battle, I believe we will triumph.”
With only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations, second-placed Nigeria have no choice but to beat group leaders Egypt to improve their position in the group.
Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of Nigeria.
