Mikel and Moses are crucial for Egypt showdown - Siasia

– Siasia says Mikel and Moses are crucial for Egypt showdown 

– The coach is impressed with both players ahead of the first leg

 – The Super Eagles need at least four points from both games 

                           Super Eagles interim coach Samson Siasia has disclosed that the experience of players like Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel will be very crucial to his team as Nigeria battle Egypt in an all-important 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualification double-header.

Mikel Obi and Victor Moses on the bench just before a game
With the opening of the team’s camp on Sunday March 6, Nigeria need at least four points from both legs if they hope to reach the tournament proper in Gabon next year. To show how serious the encounter is, the no-nonsense coach barred defender Segun Oduduwa and midfielders Stanley Dimgba and Usman Mohammed from the Bolton White Apartments camp of the Super Eagles, after they reported late to the camp of the U-23 team without earlier permission.

According to Siasia, Victor Moses and Obi Mikel will be key to ensuring Nigeria get the needed points against the Pharaohs. “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.
               “I am really impressed with Mikel’s attitude towards this important game, he has called in to confirm his readiness for the clash” Siasia told Vanguard. “Victor Moses has pledged to return too and this is quite encouraging at a time we need our top players against Egypt.” 

Nigeria host Egypt in Kaduna on March 25 and visit the Pharaohs in Alexandria on March 29.
                Egypt are top of the qualifying group with maximum six points, two ahead of Nigeria after two rounds of matches. 

             “I want to passionately appeal to Nigerians, everybody, to show belief in the team and give us total support. It will not be easy, but if we stick together and present a united force to fight this battle, I believe we will triumph,” 
Siasia concluded.