Egypt coach Cuper calls up five foreign-based players to face Nigeria

 Egypt’s coach Hector Cuper has called up five foreign-based players, including Roma winger Mohamed Salah, for the Pharaohs' crucial game against Nigeria in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers on 25 March.

The winners of three successive Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2006, 2008 and 2010, will face Nigeria on 25 March in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers before playing the follow-up match four days later in Borg El-Arab Stadium in Alexandria.

"Egypt’s national team will start a closed camp on 20 March, three days before traveling to Nigeria," Egyptian Football Association member Ihab Liheta said on Monday.

Argentinean coach Cuper, 59, has called up Roma rising Egyptian star Mohamed Salah, who was acknowledged for his performance against Real Madrid in the UEFA Champions League last week.

Arsenal midfielder Mohamed Elneny, who began to book a regular place in the Gunners' starting lineups, has been called up by Cuper to take part in the game against Nigeria.

Egyptian winger Mahmoud Trezeguet' Hassan who is on loan from Anderlecht will replace injured winger Mohamed Abdel-Shafi, who plays for Saudi side Ahly Jeddah, in the Pharaohs squad.

The Pharaohs full squad including local based players will be released on Tuesday.

Egypt are leading group G with six points, two ahead of second-placed Nigeria as only the group winners guaranteed automatic qualification for the 2017 Cup of Nations.

The five foreign-based players are as follows:

Mohamed Salah (Roma-Italy), Mohamed Elneny (Arsenal-England), Ahmed Hassan Kouka (Sporting Braga- Portugal), Mahmoud Trezeguet' Hassan (Anderlecht-Belgium) and Amr Warda (Panetolikos - Greek)