Nigerian fans singing the Super Eagles to victory during the first meeting between the country and Algeria in Uyo last year. The fans want Coach Gernot Rohr to ensure the country came out unscathed from the last qualifier against Algeria…on Friday. PHOTO: AFP.
As the Super Eagles prepare for the last group game against Algeria in their Russia 2018 World Cup qualifying series, some Nigerian soccer fans have told Coach Gernot Rohr to parade a team that is capable of beating their hosts on Friday.
The last time Super Eagles lost to Algeria was 27 years ago in the final of Algiers ‘90 Africa Cup of Nations. It ended 1-0 in favour of Algeria.
This Friday, the Algerians will take on the Super Eagles on home soil in a World Cup qualifier the Nigerians have already booked the group ticket. The result in Friday’s match will be a mere formality, but the head coach of Divine Star FC and Oasis FC of Lagos, Uche Igwe wants the Eagles to go all out and record a win to maintain their unbeaten record in the qualifiers to Russia.
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Speaking with The Guardian yesterday at the National Stadium, Lagos, Igwe said he would feel bad if the Super Eagles lost the game against Algeria on Friday. “As a true Nigerian football lover, I won’t be happy if the Super Eagles lose the match to Algeria,” he said. “If I am in position of coach Gernot Rohr, I will use the match against Algeria to test the ability of some upcoming players like Ola Aina, Olarewaju Kayode and many more players. A time will come when the likes of Mikel Obi, Odion Ighalo and Victor Moses will retire from the Super Eagles. This is the time to blend the upcoming talented players with the older ones,” he stated.
Igwe advised Rohr to concentrate on building the team for the challenges ahead, adding that he should “build a team capable of taking Nigeria to the semifinal at the World Cup in Russia. We need players who are determined to achieve our goals.”
Also speaking with The Guardian yesterday, the coach of Peace United Football Academy, Peace Odoh said “Nigeria has a good team that is capable of beating Algeria on Friday. I am proud of their performance in the previous matches, but I want them to be stronger and more accurate with their shots against Algeria.”
The Guardian recalls that the Super Eagles defeated Algeria in Uyo in the first leg of their Russia 2018 qualifier.
Prior to the Algiers ‘90 AFCON final, Nigeria had lost all four of their previous away games against Algeria, and since then, Nigeria have secured one win and one draw in their last two visits.
The win was the 5-2 thrashing of Algeria during the qualifiers for the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Oran, while the draw was the 1-1 scoreline in 1993 that secured Nigeria’s first qualification for the World Cup at USA ‘94.
Source: G Sport
