Samson Siasia and Nigeria face make-or-break clash with Egypt

It is closing on five years since Nigeria interim coach Samson Siasia found himself in a similar position to where he is now.

Not only did he take over from a former international teammate in Austin Eguavoen, he found himself with a team trailing in African Nations Cup qualifying to then group leaders Guinea, with two games played.

The difference then was that the Super Eagles had already played, and lost, to Guinea before his arrival. This time, while the side he takes over are two points behind the pacesetters, he will be in charge of negotiating both games against Egypt, who hold a commanding position in qualifying after a 100 percent start.

Siasia ultimately failed to qualify for the 2012 African Nations Cup and was subsequently relieved of his job. This did not stop the coach from playing bold, expansive tactics elsewhere, however. His under-23 team won the African title a few months ago, playing a fearless style of football that delivered goals at both ends of the pitch.

It is hard not to expect his Super Eagles to do the same. Siasia and conservative just do not go together. For years, Nigerians have yearned for their team to play with zest and attacking verve. They could not have asked for a better coach to deliver that. Siasia's teams always play quick, attacking football with a guarantee of goals, whether for or against.

And the timing couldn't be better. A crop of young, exciting players are emerging, led by Manchester City's Kelechi Iheanacho and Arsenal's Alex Iwobi. Odion Ighalo may be suffering a goal drought in the Premier League, but his strength and skill should cause more than enough trouble for Egypt's back four over 180 minutes.

Defence has been, and continues to be, an area of concern. Kenneth Omeruo and Leon Balogun have been forced out by injury problems, leaving the coach the choice of Efe Ambrose and Godfrey Oboabona as his most likely first choice centre-back pairing.

This pair of games will determine if the Super Eagles or Egypt qualify for the African Nation's Cup. A win for Egypt in Kaduna all-but guarantees their place, with a draw in the return leg sealing the deal and leaving the Nigerians to scrap for two best losers spots.

This makes a Nigeria win imperative. Not only would it take them one point above Egypt, it would also mean that a result against the Pharaohs in Alexandria on Tuesday could also put them on the brink of the finals.

With Iwobi having recovered from a mild bout of food poisoning, Siasia has a full selection to pick from, so expect a very attacking line up.

Projected XI

Ikeme, Etim, Amuzie, Oboabona, Ambrose; Mikel, Okechukwu, Iheanacho; Musa, Simon, Ighalo

Article writer :Colin Udoh

Source : ESPN