The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Algeria

  • Mutiu: Rohr can take Eagles to special heights

    Mutiu: Rohr can take Eagles to special heights

    Former Nigeria international Mutiu Adepoju has claimed that current Gaffer of the Super Eagles Gernot Rohr can lead the team to ‘special heights’ following his 100% start to life in charge of the three-time African champions.

    Nigeria are top of Group B of the CAF 2018 World Cup qualifier after wins over Zambia and Algeria.

    However, after lacklustre performances by the team which resulted in failure to qualify for two consecutive African Nations Cup, Mutiu have been very impressed by the resurgence of the Super Eagles under the guidance of the German.

    “It is commendable how Gernot Rohr has improved team work in the Eagles and the players have developed a good team spirit which is very important for the growth of any team in the world,” Mutiu told SportingLife.

    “Right from the first time I met the Eagles manager, he looks calm and have convinced me that he can take the team to a special height.

    “Going forward the team should not be complacent because there are still four matches to be played so they should stay focused.”

    Some section of the media observed that the Super Eagles last seven goals in competitive matches have been scored by players plying their trade in the premier league but Mutiu insists that it was a collective effort and it doesn’t matter who scores.

    “Goals can be scored by anybody so we shouldn’t just look at the fact it is being scored by players in the premier league or in the Nigerian league. It’s lovely that the players are in form,” the headmaster informed.

    Nigeria leads Group B with six points, four more than second placed Cameroon while Zambia and Algeria have a point each in third and four place respectively.

  • Eagles’ performance thrills IBB

    Eagles’ performance thrills IBB

    Former President General Ibrahim Babangida could not hold his joy Saturday as Super Eagles flogged Desert Warriors of Algeria 3-1 to earn their second victory of the World Cup qualifiers.
    He did not only give the entire team a pat on the back for the impressive run but also singled out Chelsea duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel who scored 25th , 42nd and 90th minute goals for Nigeria respectively. The Minna born General went ahead to urge his followers on twitter to retweet his submission as a mark of love for the Nigerian team who by their performance have consolidated on leadership of the group with six points and five goals in the kitty .
    “I am really proud of the super Eagles. RETWEET if you also do. Mikel and Moses” he enthused
    The encouter drew creme dela creme of the society including senate President Bukola Saraki to the nest of Champions. Also on hand to cheer the Eagles to victory was the former Akwa Ibom State Governor Senator Godswill Akpabio who incidentally built the venue
    One of the thrilling highlights was the moment Arsenal forward Alex Iwobi re-enacted the trade mark of his nephew and former Super Eagles captain Austin Okocha, flipping the ball above the heads of two Algerian players to the admiration of fans.
    An equally satisfied former international Jonathan Akpoborie later summed up his feeling “Very good victory for Nigeria today,” he said

  • Nigeria 3-1 Algeria: Moses, Mikel fire Eagles to vital win

    Nigeria 3-1 Algeria: Moses, Mikel fire Eagles to vital win

    Chelsea duo Victor Moses and John Obi Mikel starred as Nigeria moved into full control of their World Cup qualifying group with a 3-1 home victory over Algeria in Uyo.
    Moses and Mikel were on target in the first half, before Nabil Bentaleb’s goal after the break gave Algeria hope of a comeback.
    But Moses scored his second in the final moments as Gernot Rohr’s side won their second straight game in the final stage of CAF qualification.
    The win puts the Super Eagles four points clear of nearest challengers Cameroon in Group B, with Algeria and Zambia a further one behind. Only the pool winners will make it to Russia in 2018.
    Moses had already created the best early chance in the first meeting between the two sides since the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations when he cut inside and fired wide, but the Chelsea winger made no mistake after 25 minutes.
    After collecting a pass from Mikel, Moses took advantage of poor defending from Hicham Belkaroui to fire into the bottom corner, before being booked for removing his shirt in celebration.
    Bentaleb squandered a wonderful chance to equalise for Algeria, firing over from eight yards after controlling from Yacine Brahimi’s excellent run and cross down the left – and that miss cost the visitors when Nigeria doubled their lead three minutes before the break.
    Etebo Oghenekaro’s pass found a shocked Mikel completely unmarked in the middle of Algeria’s box after he had been played onside by full-back Aissa Mandi and the captain finished with ease for his first international goal in over three years.
    Algeria pressed in a bid to get back into the game and Bentaleb scored a stunning goal with 23 minutes remaining, rifling into the top corner from 30 yards after being found by Riyad Mahrez.
    Brahimi then came close with two late efforts, but Moses grabbed his second in stoppage-time, finishing coolly from substitute Ahmed Musa’s cross as Nigeria secured a win that puts them in a strong position with four games to play.

  • Be wary of Nigeria’s counter attack, Leekens warns Algeria

    Be wary of Nigeria’s counter attack, Leekens warns Algeria

    Aware of the lethal attack of Super Eagles, Coach Georges Leekens has warned his Algerian lads to be wary of the fleet-footed Nigerian players when both sides clash in the 2018 World Cup Qualifiers holding this weekend.
    After watching the video of Super Eagles, the Belgian tactician ackowledged the quality of the pacy Eagles stars.

    “You have to play as a whole. You have to stay well on the ground. Nigeria are going to rush to the attack at the start of the game, so we have to be careful. To achieve a good result in this game, we have to stay in the same position when we advance to midfield or in attack,” the coach told Lebuteur.com.

    Leekens however, insisted that the players need to score in Nigeria, to avoid defeat. “Nigeria’s defense has certain shortcomings that must be taken into account. It will have to be marked, it is imperative. To achieve a good result there must be one or more goals. They will rush to attack. It is necessary to be in place at the beginning of the meeting then to operate by counter-attacks. There, you’ll have to score,” he added.

    However, there was cheering news in the Algerian camp following the improvement of Faouzi Ghoulam. The wounded Napoli of Italy star has not trained since he joined the training camp in Sidi-Moussa over his injury. After being examined several times by the head doctor of the team, Dr. Ali Yekdah, with the player having an ultrasound and an MRI and the medical visit was positive as the doctor saw a clear improvement.

    With this development, it is possible for Ghoulam to feature against Nigeria on Saturday.

  • We’ll get result against ‘quality’ Eagles, says Algeria’s Mandi

    We’ll get result against ‘quality’ Eagles, says Algeria’s Mandi

    Ahead of this weekend’s 2018 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria’s Super Eagles, Algeria’s Aissa Mandi acknowledged the quality of the Super Eagles but boasted that they would surely get the needed result against the West African giant.
    The Real Betis of Spain star told Lebuteur.com that they would be coming to Nigeria to pick the three maximum points in Uyo.
    “Nigeria is a great team which has in its ranks, players of quality who play in the biggest teams of Europe. We know that this game will be difficult and that it will be played on details. We will go there with the ambition to get a good result,” Mandi said.
    The player is not giving up on Algeria’s chance of making it to Russia 2018 by saying, “As always, the atmosphere is perfect in the group. We are preparing in good condition for this match against Nigeria and I can assure you that we will do everything possible to get a positive result there. We will go to Nigeria with a positive spirit and we will spare no effort to get the three points of this game,” he boasted.
    “No, we are not back on the wall, for the simple reason that there are still five games to play in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers. We must not be alarmed, because of this poor performance at home against Cameroon. We will go to Nigeria confident and with our weapons. I remain convinced that we have the means to look for a positive outcome there,” he added.
    On the shaky defence of the Algerian side, Mandi said: “No, we must stop criticizing the defence. Football is a collective sport. We win together and we lose together. I think it was the whole team that was missing out on Cameroon, not just the defence. The state of mind within the team is very positive and I can assure you that there was never any problem between the players. All is well within the selection and it is in the most total serenity that we prepare this match against Nigeria. The players are aware of the task ahead and we will do everything possible to get a positive result.”

  • Owolabi to Eagles: Don’t settle for less

    Ahead of Saturday’s world cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo, former international Felix Owolabi has charged Super Eagles to focus solely on victory, insisting that settling for less is not an option

    The odds according to him favour the Eagles who must build on the advantage they have to avoid last minute calculations that has become the norm in recent times.

    While calling for maximum support for the team, Owoblow’ said after shooting into the lead in the group, Eagles must not drop the baton but maintain the tempo all the way.

    “This is a must win match. We won our first match and the Algerians drew theirs which is an advantage but we must not dwell on that advantage, rather we should aim at another resounding victory to further boost our chances to Russia 2018,”he said.

    Amidst report of growing injuries in the Algerian camp, the former veteran of the Nigerian premier league advised the Gernot Rohr-tutored side not to take anything for granted as the visitors are formidable and will not come cheap despite reported injuries.

    A win for the Eagles in Uyo will see the side garner six points in two matches. Algerians go into the match with only one point in the kitty same with indomitable Lions of Cameroon, while Zambia will be seeking their first point when they face Cameroon in their second match same day.

  • Nigeria vs Algeria: IfeanyiUbah goes spiritual, prays for Ezenwa, Eagles

    Nigeria vs Algeria: IfeanyiUbah goes spiritual, prays for Ezenwa, Eagles

    Still basking in the euphoria of their Federation cup victory, premier league side IfeanyiUbah have intensified prayers for their goalkeeper Ikechukwu Ezenwa and entire Super Eagles team as they prepare to face Algeria on Saturday.

    Apparently eager to extend the party mood the Anambra Warriors are praying for the odds to favour Eagles come Saturday to act as garnishing to Confederation Cup ticket already in their kitty.

    Good luck to @NGSuperEagles & our GK, Ezenwa Ikechukwu as they prepare for the FIFA WCQ against Algeria on Saturday.#SoarSuperEagles,”” the club dished out Monday.

    Although IfeanyiUbah clinched the Federation Cup after defeating Nasarawa United 5-4 on penalty, many however hailed the Lafia based side for putting up a good fight. Sunday’s final some say looks more like a repeat of the 2013 edition between Enyimba and Warri Wolves which equally ended 5-4 on penalties in favour of Enyimba after both sides had settled for a 2-2 score line at regulation time.

    Desert Warriors of Algeria are expected to hit Nigeria on Thursday ahead of the weekend showdown billed for Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo.

  • W/Cup qualifier: Ogu hit Eagles camp late Monday night

    W/Cup qualifier: Ogu hit Eagles camp late Monday night

    Hapoel Beer Sheva midfielder John Ogu breezed into the country yesterday night and immediately headed for the Super Eagles camp in Abuja.

    The 27-year-old last featured for the senior national team against Chad in 2015 but following a fine season in Israel which saw him voted the best player in the league an invitation was extended to him by new Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr for the match against the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Saturday.

    Ogu expressed his readiness to help Nigeria make the World Cup in 2018 as he looks to cease the opportunity of his return to the national team fold.

    “Another victory last night. God is great. Ready for the biggest challenge for my Nation to qualify for the World Cup #IBELIEVE,” Ogu tweeted after Beer Sheva’s game against Hapoel Ashkelon at the weekend.

    Hapoel Be’er Sheva are currently top of the Israeli league with 22points after nine matches.

  • Iwobi assures: We will fight Algeria

    Iwobi assures: We will fight Algeria

    •Arrives Abuja today

    Vastly improved Arsenal Football Club and Super Eagles forward, Alex Iwobi has disclosed that the Super Eagles must fight very hard to beat Algeria and remain on top of Group B of the last Phase of the 2018 World Cup African qualifiers.

    Smarting from his impressive performance for Arsenal against Tottenham Hotspur in the week 11 of the English Premier League derby that ended 1-1 , Iwobi told SportingLife he had wished for a victory against his club’s arch-rival Tottenham but he said his side was unlucky not to have emerged winners.

    He said his focus has now shifted to the Nigeria versus Algeria match slated for the Nest of Champions Stadium, Uyo, Akwa Ibom on Saturday.

    “I would have been a very happy man if we had won the match against Tottenham Hotspur. But we will make amends in the next game. Now my focus is on Nigeria versus Algeria World Cup qualifier coming up this Saturday in Uyo.

    ‘It is going to be one of the toughest matches we would play in this qualifier and  we are  aware of this. So we have resolved to fight very, very hard and cover all the blades of the grass on the pitch to ensure we get victory against Algeria.

    “Algeria is highly ranked in the continent but the Super Eagles are blessed with great players that  are ready to shed their blood on the pitch if need be to get the needed victory and the three points that will make us  top our group and eventually win the World Cup ticket at stake”, Iwobi told SportingLife yesterday.

    The 20-year-old striker also confirmed that he would hit Abuja today for the camping exercise for the World Cup qualifying match against Algeria.

    “I hope to be in Abuja tomorrow (today) since we have played our league match today (Sunday)”.

  • Nigeria vs Algeria: Iheanacho, Onazi, Ndidi storm Eagles camp on Monday

    Nigeria vs Algeria: Iheanacho, Onazi, Ndidi storm Eagles camp on Monday

    Ahead of the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria in Uyo, the trio of Kelechi Iheanacho, Wilfred Ndidi, and Ogeyi Onazi are set to storm the Super Eagles camp in Abuja on Monday, SportingLife gathered.

    The trio who are part of the 24-man squad invited by manager Gernot Rohr will touch down in Lagos on Sunday before heading out to the Federal Capital Territory.

    Ndidi has been in spectacular form for Belgium side Genk and was on the scoresheet on Thursday night in the Europa League when they lost 5-3 to Athletic Bilbao away from home.

    On his part, Iheanacho has scored three goals in the premier league so far with three assists for Manchester City and although he was on the bench against Middlesbrough at the weekend, he is tipped for a big future under Spanish manager Pep Guardiola.

    Trabzonspor midfielder Onazi had already confirmed his arrival as he tweeted that he will be at the venue of the Federation Cup match between Ifeanyi Ubah and Nasarawa United which will be played at the Teslim Balogun Stadium by 3:00pm in Lagos.

    The former Lazio midfielder may likely be in the company of Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohor who is scheduled to also be at the stadium to witness the encounter before leaving for camp on Monday.