Facing each other for the second time in a week on international duty, Egypt beat Nigeria on Tuesday to qualify for the next African Cup of Nations tournament.

A late equaliser earned Nigeria a point when the sides faced each other on Friday but Egypt held on to a one-goal advantage this time around to go five points clear at the top of the group and qualify for the competition next winter.

Mohamed Elneny started in midfield again for Egypt and played the entire game while Iwobi, as he did on Friday, came off the bench with Nigeria looking for a goal. This time around, though, they didn’t find their equaliser and won’t be at the African Cup of Nations 2017. Iwobi will have to keep waiting for his first competitive start for the Super Eagles.

That does at least mean Arsenal won’t have to worry about losing Iwobi to international duty midway through the season.

After missing three tournaments in a row, Egypt will be delighted to be at the African Cup of Nations. Congratulations to Mohamed Elneny, who Arsenal will be without during the tournament next year, and all of his teammates!

Hopefully there are no complications and we will see Elneny and Iwobi both back in the Arsenal squad at the weekend.