Atlanta Olympics hero points out the importance of Nigeria, Algeria friendly

The two former African champions will lock horns in Oran next week in the second international friendly between the two in two years

Atlanta ’96 Olympic Games gold-winning goalkeeper Joseph Dosu has highlighted the importance of Nigeria’s scheduled friendly with Algeria.

The Super Eagles will trade tackles with the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on September 27 in Oran.

Both countries failed to qualify for the 2022 FIFA World Cup slated for Qatar later this year.

The Nigeria Football Federation appointed Portuguese manager Jose Peseiro after that World Cup debacle.

The former Sporting Lisbon manager is tasked with rebuilding and guiding the Super Eagles to qualify for next year’s 2023 Afcon.

In a disappointing start to life in charge of the national team, Peseiro led the three-time continental champions to friendly losses to Mexico and Ecuador.

But the head coach has overseen a turnaround in fortunes with victory over Sierra Leone and Sao Tome Principe.

Former Nigerian goalkeeper Joseph Dosu is convinced that the game against Algeria will allow Peseiro to continue building a formidable Super Eagles squad.

“I am glad with the friendly game the Super Eagles will be playing against Algeria considering the fact that it will help both coaches to access their players after failing to qualify for the 2022 World Cup,” Dosu told Complete Sports.

“For me, I think this will also give the Super Eagles coach, Jose Peseiro the chance to identify some of the areas the team needs to build upon.”

Nigeria have not defeated Algeria since a 3-1 triumph in a World Cup qualifier in November 2016.