Nigeria also failed to qualify for the last edition.
Before now, Eagles had lost the ticket due to complacency or administrative problems but this time, a stiff opposition is threatening the country’s will to be in Gabon 2017.
They were seen as a big threat to the ambition of the Super Eagles right from the day the draw was made.
However, the withdrawal of Chad from the series only on Sunday has made the situation in the group to be more competitive since only one ticket is available without any chance of the a second team competing for best losers’ slots.
Egypt currently have an edge with four points courtesy of the home win over Tanzania but the inability to beat Tanzania away has affected the points haul of Eagles as Nigeria is second with just points.
On Friday, the Eagles were stooped from bagging the maximum points courtesy of a late goal by Muhammed Sallah.
This evening, the Egyptians will be all out with all the tricks in the world to avoid a defeat but interestingly, Nigeria desperately need to clinch the maximum points to be in good stead for qualification. Coach Samson Siasia can stun the North Africans if he could find a good blend in the defence line.
He also needs to retain Odion Ighalo and Kelechi Iheanacho as partners in the attack. More importantly, the Eagles must avoid provocation of their hosts and they must be focused for the entire duration.
The Sallah equalizer in Kaduna is enough lesson. This match is very crucial for both sides and it promises to be highly explosive.
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