Iwobi shines in Eagles loss to Algeria

Terrem Moffi celebrates after putting Nigeria in front in their 2-1 loss to Algeria on Tuesday night. (Photo credit: Twitter)

The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost to Algeria on Tuesday night in an international friendly played at the Oran Stadium in Algiers by a slim 2-1 margin.

Coach Jose Peseiro of Nigeria was without notable absentees like Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Joe Aribo and Samuel Chukwueze among others but a few of the players that made it to the pitch gave great account of themselves.

Nigeria took the lead early in the first half through full debutant Terrem Moffi and the Super Eagles dominated for a sustained period in the half. The Algerians leveled before halftime through a penalty that was given away by Brentford midfielder Frank Onyeka.

Zaidu Sanusi had a better forgotten game at both ends of the pitch; he wasn’t assured in possession as a defender and killed a couple of counter attacks that could have gotten Nigeria out of sight in the game but the learning curve would prove important to the coaching team.

The second half was roundly dominated by the hosts; a long-range strike beat Francis Uzoho in goal for what eventually was the winner as Nigeria offered absolutely nothing in response. The loss is the third on the bounce against the Fennecs having lost back-to-back AFCON games in recent past.

Alex Iwobi was the standout performer for Nigeria with the Everton playmaker showing glimpses of recent form for the Toffees with commanding drive in the middle and setting up counters with sleek passes and fast breaks.