Everton’s Alex Iwobi names scapegoat for Super Eagles’ defeat to Algeria

The former Arsenal star was one of Nigeria’s better players in the defeat to the Desert Foxes on Tuesday night

Everton’s midfielder Alex Iwobi has planted the blame for Nigeria’s 2-1 loss to Algeria at the feet of centre referee Mehrez Malki and his assistants Y. Malloulchi and F. Jridi, all from Tunisia.

Referee Mehrez Malki was at the centre of controversy as early as midway into the first half when he ruled out a goal scored by Ademola Lookman.

And shortly before halftime, the referee awarded Algeria a controversial penalty, which Manchester City man Riyad Mahrez expertly converted for the Desert Foxes’ equaliser.

Lorient FC striker Terem Moffi had handed Nigeria a ninth-minute lead, reacting fastest to a loose ball in the opposition box.

Nice defender Youcef Atal struck a fierce 40-yard drive past goalkeeper Francis Uzoho in the 61st minute to give the Algerians their third straight win over Nigeria in all competitions.

Still, Alex Iwobi is not convinced that the Super Eagles should have lost the match to the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations winner.

And the Everton midfielder believes some of the referee’s questionable calls impacted the result of the encounter.

Iwobi wrote on Twitter: “I Understand Refereeing Isn’t Easy At All & All Referees Should Be Treated With Respect… But Yesterday Was Surely Questionable Aha?”

Nantes star Moses Simon agrees with Iwobi that the match officials were not fair with many of their calls in Oran on Tuesday.