Nigeria vs Algeria: Sanusi shines in left-back, 5 other lessons in Eagles defeat
- Nigeria vs Algeria friendly has shown that the Eagles still have a lot to do
- Paul Onuachu and Semi Ajayi failed to stamp their authority in the squad
- Algeria's Ramy Bensebain scored the only goal of the game as early as the 6th minute
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The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost 1-0 to Algeria in an international friendly on Friday night, October 9 in Austria.
Ramy Bensebain's 6th minute strike was enough to hand the North Africans consecutive wins, as they also defeated the Super Eagles in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.
However, here we look at the Nigerian team which struggled in the entire 90 minutes and below are six things we learnt from the Nigeria vs Algeria clash.
1. Onuachu must improve in his positioning
Paul Onuachu missed out on a glorious opportunity to cement his place in Gernot Rohr’s starting line-up as he had a poor game on the night.
The Genk of Belgium striker failed to live up to expectation as he is seen perambulating upfront the Nigerian attack.
The 26-year-old is susceptible to poor link-up play and that allowed pressure on the Nigerian midfield.
Onuachu has now played six games for the Super Eagles, however he has managed just one goal.
He is yet to justify his inclusion in the team.
Source: UGC
2. Nigeria's midfield without Ndidi, Etebo and Aribo will struggle
Wilfred Ndidi was replaced by Tyronne Ebuehi while Etebo Oghenekaro and Joe Aribo also missed the game through injuries.
The match against Algeria confirms that Gernot Rohr’s team will struggle in the midfield without the trio.
3. Semi Ajayi unconvincing in defensive midfield
West Bromwich Albion star Semi Ajayi also failed to impress on the night. The game gave an ample opportunity for him to make commands, however nothing much was seen from him.
4. Maduka Okoye was superb in goal
He showed he has the confidence of a good goalkeeper and can become great with more grooming.
Okoye was really the commander of his defense. You could see him calling out on his players dishing out instructions.
The Sparta Rotterdam goalie could become a perfect replacement for Super Eagles legend and most capped Nigerian star Vincent Enyeama.
5. Zaidu Sanusi makes big statement in left back position
The debutant has made a big statement in his quest to becoming the Super Eagles no.1 left back ahead of Ola Aina.
He was superb in the game as the Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez had a very difficult time with him.
6. Iwobi solid all through the first half
The Everton star brought his wealth of experience into the game as he is obviously one of the best players for Nigeria on the night.
Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Gernot Rohr who has made it clear that he was not surprised with the decision of Arsenal star, Bukayo Saka, not to play for Nigeria.
Bukayo Saka was recently called to the England national team ahead of their coming games this month in which the Arsenal forward expressed happiness to the call.
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Source: Legit.ng
