Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr is likely to start Alex Iwobi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Anthony Nwakaeme in the attack as the Eagles file out today against Algeria’s Fennec Foxes in the last game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Constantine. Kick off 8.30pm.
With Victor Moses, Simon Moses and Odion Ighalo sidelined by injuries, Rohr in their last two training secessions put Iwobi, Iheanacho and Nwakaeme through the paces. And Iwobi whose goal silenced Zambia in a difficult match in Uyo showed some flashes.
Also Iheanacho put up a good showing and it remain to be seen what they can do against an Algeria side that is hoping to win and boost their confidence. The Desert Warriors will be hoping to end their qualifying campaign with a victory, having failed to qualify for next year’s finals which will be hosted by Russia. Algeria are heading into this match winless in group B, and they have recorded one draw and four defeats.
They have accumulated one point from five games. The north African giants are set to finish fourth in the group as they are five points behind third-placed Cameroon, who beat Algeria 2-0 in Yaounde last month.
Algeria’s new head coach Rabah Madjer, who will look to Leicester City FC duo Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani, says he knows what to expect from Nigeria. “The game against Nigeria is not a friendly match for me…to me it is the first game of the qualifiers for the 2018 African Cup of Nations in Cameroon,” he said.
Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel said that the team is determined to finish the campaign on a high.
“I have belief that we can reach new heights with this team. The boys are so committed. The coaching crew is made up of very matured and brilliant people who respect the players. We are onto a good thing. We keep our heads and play at our best level. Each and every one of us is determined.”
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