Ahead of the 2017 African Cup of Nations double-header qualifiers between Nigeria and Egypt later this month, Super Eagles star Ogenyi Onazi is confident that his partnership with Mikel Obi will curtail the attacking threat posed by Mohammed Salah and his Pharaohs’ teammates.

Salah has been in a very rich vein of form since his return from injury and at the weekend inspired Roma to a comprehensive 4-1 win over Fiorentina with a brilliant brace to hand new manager Luciano Spalletti a seven game unbeaten run.

Salah is expected to lead the Egyptians to Nigeria for the first leg of the double-header clash in Kaduna on Friday, March 25 before hosting the Super Eagles in Alexandria on Tuesday, March 29.

But Onazi who was included in the 43-man squad to play against Egypt by the interim manager Samson Siasia alongside Chelsea midfielder Mikel Obi is delighted with his midfield partnership with the former Lyn Oslo star.

“Mikel is a natural leader and I enjoy playing alongside him, hopefully together we can keep the midfield solid and make it difficult for the Egyptians to score,” Onazi said.

“We know Mohammed Salah very well and can handle him. The Egyptians have other good players like Bassem Morsi who scored an hat-trick against Chad and the Arsenal guy, Mohamed El Nenny but we’ll be ready for them.

“Personally, I’m 100 percent fit and have been training very well. I can’t wait to put on the colours of Nigeria for that match.”

Egypt lead Group G with six points while Nigeria have four points following a 2-0 win against Chad and a goalless draw with Tanzania.