The Super Eagles of Nigeria were defeated by the Desert Foxes of Algeria by 2 goals to 1 at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Oran.
Nigeria took the lead in the 9th minute after the Algerian defence could not deal with a loose ball where Terem Moffi toe-poked the ball beyond the keeper. Ademola Lookman put the ball at the back of the net but the assistant referee adjudged him to be offside but TV replays showed otherwise.
As the first half was gradually winding down, the partisan home crowd spurred their players to life and their pressures finally paid when Frank Onyeka brought down an Algeria player in the box and Riyadh Mahrez converted the resulting spot kick to end the first half one goal apiece.
The second half started with the Algerians being in control of the game and the took the lead from yet another goalkeeper error from Francis Uzoho. Youcef Atal had made an ambitious attempt from over 25 yards but the Nigerian goalie fumbled the shot into net. At that point, it was the Algerians that dictated the pace to the final whistle.
Though both Algeria and Nigeria will not be present at the World Cup in Qatar, the friendly game was important to prepare both teams for next year Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers which will begin next year.
Discussion about this post