The Super Eagles succumbed to a narrow defeat in their first-ever friendly face-off with the Fennecs, but the performance did not sit well with a large section of the Nigerian fans
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.
There was no positive.
— I_am_Me (@Nehemiah4u) October 9, 2020
Terrible game.
Onuachu, iheanacho, Musa, iwobi, Simon had no business on that pitch
The most boring and useless match i hv watched in awhile. The result was expected and both teams were below standard. We played rubbish total nonsense.
— Cheezy Sullivan (@dark_cheezy) October 9, 2020
The only two positives I could see in this game are maduka is pretty good and iwobi was excellent other than that we really missed osimhen ndidi and etebo even aribo we missed those four players cos our midfield was pretty dry only iwobi I noticed
— Loyal_Victor (@VictorKonyefa) October 9, 2020
A terrible performance.
— TIZZY (@dersilver97) October 9, 2020
We couldnt string passes together, the midfield was lost, the attackers couldn't attack. I know it's a friendly but ffs that was terrible.
Rohr is a joke! His selections are a head scratcher and he does not know how to coach attacking style football. We have no system and it’s coaching
— TiwaSoccer (@TiwaSoccer) October 9, 2020
Maduka Okoye was the only bright spark, he kept us in this game if not the scoreline would have been embarrassing.
— Miles Matheson (@EfeniMatthew) October 9, 2020
Onuachu lacked confidence could play the expected hold up play role that would have brought others in to play. Next up Tunisia. Here we go. Up Nigeria. E go better
This is d worst 9ja match iav watched in very long time, no tactics whatsoever. Evry body except Tyron ebuehi ws jus playing anywer bele face..
— theo (@Iamtheo29) October 9, 2020
I agree and I’m so shocked that @nff retained Rohr! He does not know what he is doing! His game tactics and selection is terrible and with him in charge, Super eagles are playing a boring brand of football same crap
— TiwaSoccer (@TiwaSoccer) October 9, 2020
https://twitter.com/DejiAcre/status/1314667471060828165
That coach needs to be replaced. The Nigerian team is not playing with any tactics, no game plan, etc. Playing like they didn't even train together.
— Samuel C. Freeman (@yungsamuelchuku) October 9, 2020
Coupled with his horrible selection of players.
We have a quality team, he doesn't know how to handle it. #Genrohrout
Head coach of the Nigerian side Rohr has, however, chosen to pick the positives from the game as his men prepare for another friendly meeting with former African champions Tunisia on October 13.
This guys when they play with our national colors. They needs to defend it. It’s just a shame for the second time to loose again to bunch of these guys not playing in top league. It’s a shame