Midfielder John Mikel Obi says the Super Eagles must control the game in order to win against Egypt on Friday.
Both countries meet in the first of two back to back games in the race to the 2017 African Nations Cup
"Egypt are a very good team and they quick and play very good football," said the Chelsea midfielder. "We have to be very tactical and make sure we control the game at every point."
On a personal note, the 28 year old says he is ready to do his bit
"I am always ready. It's the same as every other game I have played for this country. I always want to do my best."
Mikel admits that smouldering temperatures, which are expected to be in the mid 30s, would prove challenging
"It's difficult because the weather is always very hot. In Europe you can play for 120 minutes without feeling it. But here after 30 minutes, it feels like you've been playing for 2 hours.
"But it's our job, so we have to make sure we control the game. The more control we have, the less we have to run and the more we can have a chance to win this game."
Kickoff is at 4pm on Friday. Egypt lead the group on 6 points, two more than second-placed Nigeria.
Only the group winners qualify automatically for the tournament.
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