Algeria confirmed their superiority over the Gernot Rohr-tutored Super Eagles after a Ramy Bensebaini effort in only the sixth minute of play earned the African champions their second consecutive victory over the West Africans.
Nigeria missed the services of Napoli forward Victor Osimhen and Leicester City midfield trojan Wilfred Ndidi, as the attacking trio of Paul Onuachu, Samuel Kalu, and Samuel Chukwueze failed to sparkle.
Rohr handed full debuts to Midtjylland man Frank Onyeka, Porto left-back Zaidu Sanusi, and goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, as the German tactician continues to try other options in improving the Eagles.
But it was the Foxes who started the game on the front foot and deservedly scored the game’s opening goal after the Nigerians failed to clear their lines from a corner kick.
Rohr’s men had a few opportunities to level proceedings, but Kalu shot wide when well-placed, Iwobi saw a wicked drive narrowly miss target while substitute Iheanacho’s late free-kick fizzled past the upright.
It was not all gloomy for the three-time Afcon champions, though, as Sparta Rotterdam’s Okoye had a near-perfect night between the goalposts while Rangers’ centre-back Leon Balogun was solid in defence.
Overall, however, the Algerians looked the better organized of the two sides and reaped the benefits of a bright start.
Nigerian fans have not taken the friendly defeat lightly, though, and many have worded their displeasure at the Super Eagles poor performance on micro-blogging site, Twitter.
If i see this guy in our lineup again, I will not watch. Where was Cyril Dessers for heaven's sake? pic.twitter.com/21WmfJTnyP
— CaptainSteve ???????? (@StephenEnoch3) October 9, 2020
There was no positive.
— I_am_Me (@Nehemiah4u) October 9, 2020
Terrible game.
Onuachu, iheanacho, Musa, iwobi, Simon had no business on that pitch
There was no positive.
— I_am_Me (@Nehemiah4u) October 9, 2020
Terrible game.
Onuachu, iheanacho, Musa, iwobi, Simon had no business on that pitch
Pls tell Rohr Ekong does not deserve to wear Eagle's jersey again. He is just not good enough same as Onuachu and Mikel Agu and Akpoguma no be RB na CB and I won't blame Semi Ajayi too much he is not a natural DM. The rest tried and we now have a GK & LB finally.
— Fedora (@adejobiadeleye) October 9, 2020
Rohr was just confused today, with the formation i saw seeing balogun at midfield at that point i knew our coach was clueless ????????????
— Cheezy Sullivan (@dark_cheezy) October 9, 2020
Please in our next game start that Tijani and never used that Mikel agu again, let iheanacho pair a proper 9 upfront shift iwobi to the left not at the central role
— Bello Idris Ademuyiw (@heedrix08) October 9, 2020
