The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Algeria

  • Nigeria to use reserve players against Algeria-Coach

    Nigeria to use reserve players against Algeria-Coach

    Salisu Yusuf, Assistant Coach of Super Eagles of Nigeria on Monday said that he would use more  reserve players for the 2018 world cup qualifier against Algeria on Nov.11.

    Yusuf made the disclosure in an interview  while speaking on the team’s preparation for the Algeria match.

    He said that the match would enable the coaching crew to not only try the reserves but also select players for the final in Russia.

    “Some of the players have not been opportune to play, so this match will offer them such opportunity

    “We know there is nothing to be scared of because we already have the world cup ticket but our interest now is to have a blended team,“Yusuf said.

    The coach pledged that the super Eagles would not lose any of their matches, adding that they were ready to win the game against Algeria.

    The super Eagles currently lead Group B with 13 points and will slug it out with the Algerian side on Nov. 11, in Algiers.

    FIFA has confirmed Gabonese Eric Castane as the centre referee while Aboubacar Doumbouya of Guinea and Burkina Faso’s Seydou Tiama will serve as his assistants.

    NAN

  • Zambia win puts pressure on Super Eagles

    Zambia win puts pressure on Super Eagles

    Chipolopolo of Zambia kept up the pressure on Group B leaders, the Super Eagles of Nigeria on Tuesday by beating hosts Algeria 1-0 in Blida to stay firm in their new position.

    Zambia had beaten Algeria 3-1 in Lusaka on Saturday to move above Cameroon who were then with two points only from two draws in two games.

    Read also: ‘Super Eagles victory a wonderful Sallah gift for Nigeria’

    This had set the stage for Zambia to win on Match Day 3 and then Match Day 4 of the ongoing 2018 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Africa Zone.

    Zambia are now second in the group with seven points from four matches, after two wins, one draw and one loss.

    Cameroon are in third place with three points from four matches, after three draws and one loss.

    Read also: Buhari hails Super Eagles’ victory over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions

    Algeria bring up the rear with one point from four matches, following one draw and three losses.

    This situation means Zambia still have a chance to upstage Nigeria, if they can beat the Super Eagles on Oct. 7 in Uyo.

    A win means they will be level on 10 points with Nigeria.

    Nigeria will then need to beat Algeria away on the final match day on Nov. 6 to win the group.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the group winners will qualify for the World Cup finals.

  • Algeria target first win against Zambia

    Algeria target first win against Zambia

    The Desert Warriors of Algeria will be looking to bounce back from their Saturday’s 3-1 defeat when they host Zambia today in Constantine, in a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier. 

    For this encounter, they will want to keep their hopes alive by ensuring they retain the full three points at home.

    Coach Lucas Alcaraz’s troops remain rooted at the bottom of Group B with one point from two losses and a draw thus far.

    Looking at the Southern Africans, Zambia now occupy the second spot in the group with four points from one win, one loss and one draw.

    The win at home has motivated coach Wedson Nyirenda’s men as they will want to book their maiden spot at the global tournament in Russia.

    One of the goalscorers, Enock Mwepu said they must be ready for a tough match as the hosts will not be easy to beat at home.

    “It was my target to score on my debut and I am very happy to come in as a substitute to score. I believe we need to continue working hard so that we beat Algeria in the return match in their backyard,” said Mwepu.

    Although it will not be easy to bag a win in Constantine, the Zambians’ fighting spirit is what the Algerians must ensure they neutralise come Tuesday.

    This thrilling encounter will be staged Stade Mohamed-Hamlaoui in Constantine and kick-off is at 9pm Nigeria time.

  • Mahrez leaves Algeria camp to complete transfer

    Mahrez leaves Algeria camp to complete transfer

    Leicester City forward Riyad Mahrez has been allowed to leave the Algeria training camp to “formalise” a transfer on deadline day, the Algerian Football Federation said on Thursday.

    Mahrez, a key member of Leicester’s Premier League title-winning side in 2015-16 when he was voted PFA Player of the Year, has been the subject of bids from Italian club Roma.

    Read also: Iheanacho Unveiled as Leicester City Player 

    Several Premier League clubs are also likely to be keen to sign the 26-year-old, who has scored 35 goals for Leicester since arriving from French club Le Havre in 2014.

    A statement from the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) said Mahrez, preparing for World Cup qualifiers against Zambia, had been allowed to travel back to Europe.

    Read also: Mahrez: We didn’t let Ranieri down 

    “Mahrez was authourised by the national coach, Lucas Alcaraz, and FAF to make an express trip to Europe to formalise his transfer to his new club,” a statement said.

    “The selection will, therefore, fly without him Thursday morning to Lusaka to face Zambia on Saturday.”

    Mahrez has played in all three of Leicester’s Premier League matches so far this season.

    Also, check out: Ahead of 2018 World Cup Qualifiers: We can beat Nigeria, others to sole slot, says Algeria’s coach

    The English transfer window closes at 2200 GMT on Thursday.

  • 2018 World Cup Qualifiers: Algeria’ll beat Eagles to sole slot, says Alcaraz

    2018 World Cup Qualifiers: Algeria’ll beat Eagles to sole slot, says Alcaraz

    Few days after taking charge as the new coach of Algeria, Spaniard Lucas Alcaraz believes the North African still has the chance to beat group leader – Nigeria, African champion, Cameroun and Zambia to the sole slot to the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

    Lucas Alcaraz is optimistic that their next two games against Zambia remains crucial to their eventual qualification for the World Cup.

    With only one point from three matches played so far, the coach of Les Fennecs told FIFA.COM  that despite the Herculean task of qualifying, he said: “Obviously, we’re not the favourites, but we have to do everything in our power to get as many points and wins as we can. We have to fight hard in every game to make sure there are no regrets at the end of it all.”

    The former Granada boss believes Algeria can still qualify, provided they beat Zambia in their next assignments: “We’re going to prepare in depth for the two matches against Zambia.The players and the staff know what they have to do, what’s expected of them and the importance of these two matches. I need a lot of players for those two games and I’m absolutely convinced that if we beat Zambia, then we’ll qualify.”

    He, however, refuses to lose hope on Algeria’s chances, “If we can get through to the last match with morale high and full of hope after a couple of wins, I think we’ll be able to go into it with confidence high.”

    With the last group match at home to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, the Spaniard said: “If we can win our next home games, we’ll be in a good position to welcome Nigeria on the final day.”

  • Nigerian emerges 2nd vice-president United World Wrestling

    Nigeria’s Austin Edeze on Tuesday emerged the 2nd Vice- President of the United World Wrestling (UWW) in El-Jadida, Morocco.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the election took place during the African Congress.

    Daniel Igali, the President, Nigeria Wrestling Federation (NWF) told NAN on telephone from Morocco that he was excited by the development.

    “I am elated that Edeze the immediate past president of the NWF was re-elected to the executive committee of UWW Africa.

    “Not only that, he was elevated to the position of 2nd Vice-President.

    “It’s important to have different people at strategic positions of leadership at the continental and world levels of every sport.

    “This allows for untapped opportunities to be harnessed,’’said Igali.

    The 2000 Sydney Olympic gold medalist added that the NWF also submitted the bid document to host the 2018 Senior Africa Wrestling Championships.

    “We submitted the bid to UWW Africa president Gouad Meskout.

    “Hopefully before the end of the Africa Wrestling Championships here in Morocco, a decision will be made.

    “Algeria, Tunisia and Nigeria are bidding for the hosting rights for the 2018 Africa Wrestling Championships,’’ the Olympian added.

  • Akpokona warns against underrating Algeria

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ahead of Super Eagles clash with Algeria in continuation of the World cup qualifiers later in the year, veteran coach Lawrence Akpokana has warned that it would be dangerous to underrate the Algerians following their early exit from the ongoing Nations cup in Gabon.

    He said rather than see their early exit as an advantage; Nigeria should rather see it as a challenge to work harder with a view to emerging victorious in the forthcoming rematch.

    The former Rangers international handler noted that the Algerians would have felt embarrassed by the exit being one of the hot favorites but added that they would be gingered to fortify and pump all the arsenals in their armory into the world cup qualifiers.

    “If we take them for granted it would be dangerous and I hope we don’t.  The mere fact that they crashed out early is not an indication that they are weak and as one of the top ranking countries in the continent, they would want to prove that the exit was a fluke which means they would treat the qualifiers with greater attention so we must work harder  for that tie,”,” he said.

    The Eagles were able to earn a 3-1 victory in the first leg  at the Nest of Champions November 12  last year, with the return leg billed for  Algiers later in the year. Algerian coach Georges Leekens who was looking forward to the return leg incidentally has resigned following the team’s poor showing in Gabon even as fillers from Algeria indicate that search for a new coach has already started

  • AFCON flop: Algeria coach resigns

    AFCON flop: Algeria coach resigns

     

     

    Algeria  Georges Leekens has resigned as head coach following the team’s failure to qualify for the knockout phase of the on going Nations cup in Gabon

    A 2-2 draw with Senegal on Monday saw Algeria miss out on a qualification spot in Group B, despite having been the top seeds in the pool.

    Leekens had suggested after that match that he was keen to stay in charge to continue their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup, but it was confirmed on Tuesday that the Belgian had agreed to step aside.

    “Given the pressure exerted on the federation and the national team, I’ve opted to end my contract out of friendship with the FAF [Algerian Football Federation], who deserve respect,” Leekens said in a statement.

    “For the benefit of everyone, I prefer to take my leave, even if I do so with an aching heart, and I wish everyone in the national team all the success in the world.”

    Algeria had been one of the favourites to challenge for the trophy in Gabon, but were surprisingly held to a draw by Zimbabwe in their opening game.

    A defeat to neighbours Tunisia and the subsequent draw with group winners Senegal sealed their fate and ultimately that of their coach. The former club Brugg and Tunisia coach regretted that things turned out the way the did as he had planned a long sojourn with the team especially ahead of the world cup, Russia 2018.

  • Carthage Eagles face do-or-die clash

    Tunisia faces a do-or-die clash with Algeria as they prepare for a crunch Group B African Nations Cup encounter in Franceville today.

    The two sides had contrasting fortunes in their opening matches. Algeria did not play well but came away with a 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe, while Tunisia dominated Senegal for much of their encounter but ended up losing 2-0. Another defeat will see the Carthage Eagles ousted from the competition with one match still to play.

    Certainly that is the way the Tunisian players see it, with defender Hamdi Negguez admitting: “We will play the match of our lives. We have no other choice: either we win or we go home.”

    Tunisia coach Henryk Kasperczak felt his side deserved more against Senegal and has been boosted by the return to fitness of midfielder Mohamed Amine Ben Amor, who missed the opener through injury.

    Matches between the two sides have traditionally been tight and this is expected to be another tense affair that is always simmering, with the potential to boil over.

    Both sides are known for their theatrics and it is likely to be an encounter where the referee will need eyes in the back of his head.

    In 30 previous meetings between the teams in all competitions and including friendlies, Algeria have 12 wins to seven for Tunisia, with 11 draws.

  • AFCON: Arsenal teenager gets Algeria call-up

    AFCON: Arsenal teenager gets Algeria call-up

    Arsenal’s Algerian midfielder, Ismaeil Bennacer, has been called up to play in the African Nations Cup finals after a knee injury ruled Saipher Taider out of the tournament, the country’s football federation said on Friday.

    The 19-year-old Bennacer won his first cap for Algeria last year in Nations Cup qualification and has yet to make a league debut for the Gunners.

    Bologna midfielder Taider, 24, hurt his knee in training earlier this week.

    Defender Ramy Bensebaini is recovering from a knee injury suffered in Algeria’s warm-up win over Mauritania on Tuesday, the federation added.

    Algeria plays their opening Group B match in Franceville on Sunday against Zimbabwe.