Super Eagles to face Algeria in a behind closed door friendly

Super Eagles: Gernot Rohr's men to face African champions Algeria in a behind closed door friendly

 

(All smiles! Eagles captain, Ahmed Musa answers questions with Gernot Rhor ahead of the double header against Algeria and Tunisia. Source: Goal.com)

The Super Eagles will file out against Algeria and Tunisia in warm up games ahead of World Cup qualifiers in November.

News broke out on Monday that Kevin Akpoguma has been handed the chance to represent Nigeria by the football’s ruling body, FIFA; the Hoffenheim defender had represented Germany at age grade levels and was believed to have been lost to the European giants but the recent ruling means Nigeria now has another name to call on for the upcoming friendlies against Algeria and Tunisia.

This however means there is strong competition for William Troost Ekong, Kenneth Omeruo and Rangers of Scotland’s Leon Balogun; it will always be a good headache for any manager but how does Gernot Rhor intend to set up? 

The Super Eagles are a bit short in the middle and the heartbreaking news of Bukayo Saka choosing to represent England is still very fresh in our minds but Alex Iwobi’s display in Everton’s rampaging win over Brighton offers joy, the former Arsenal winger was introduced early on in place of the injured Richarlison and he took his chance, this might mean he’s in Carlo Ancelotti’s plans after many expected him to find regular football elsewhere upon the arrivals of top talents at the Goodison Park.

 

Tyron Ebuehi has been called up to replace the injured Wilfried Ndidi, the former Benfica right back has the chance to return to the Super Eagles fold after a long absence as the last time he filed out for the Nigerian senior side was at the World Cup in Russia where he shone brightly despite hacking down Finbogasson late on against Iceland to earn the European side a penalty that was blasted over to the heavens by Gylfi Siggurdsen.

Paul Onuachu of Genk in Belgium has replaced Napoli star, Victor Osimhen after some of his teammates tested positive to Corona Virus, the former under 17 star was excused from the Super Eagles squad as a precautionary measure following Napoli’s refusal to honor the league match against Juventus. Onuachu now has a chance to fight for a place upfront having last played for Nigeria in a friendly well over a year ago.

 

The upcoming game against Algeria will be the fourth time in three years that both teams are squaring up, with Nigeria besting the dessert warriors to qualify for the 2018 World Cup but losing 2:1 at the AFCON in Egypt early last year but the Super Eagles haven’t kicked a ball this year owing to the outbreak of Corona Virus.

Algeria will be looking to unleash their sensational Manchester City forward, Riyad Mahrez on the Super Eagles when they meet on Friday while six player on the Nigerian part will be looking to make their debut for the senior national team, they include the Hoffenheim defender, Kevin Akpoguma, Cyril Dessers, Chidera Ejuke, Zaidu Sanusi, Mathew Yakubu and Samson Tijani.