The senior national team of Algeria secured a comeback 2-1 win over Nigeria in an international friendly game played as part of the ceremony for the opening of the pitch at Oran.
OwnGoalNigeria.com senor editor Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman takes a look at five things we noticed during the course of the game particularly players and the system of play Jose Peseiro loves which is an all attacking style.
1. Goalkeepers Crisis : It’s not even up for debate anymore. The problem does exist as both Maduka Okoye and Francis Uzoho have taken turns to commit high profile blunders which has proved costly. Adebayo Adeleye the other goalkeeper in the team didn’t cover himself in glory either when he played in the second half of the 2-2 draw against Algeria B.
2. Playing From The Back – The style isn’t quite the problem but having players who can execute it perfectly is usually the main issue. For instance Okoye isn’t the best with the ball at his feet, Uzoho who is a little bit better can’t be said to be that good at it. Again playing with Frank Onyeka means beating the press when playing from the back is almost impossible as he isn’t the best with his passing range or decision making under present.
3. Terem Moffi Is Here To Stay – He showed his form at Lorient isn’t a fluke. Held the ball nicely. Showed good movements and awareness around the box particularly in the goal he scored and even for the second goal which was wrongly disallowed, he teed up Ademola Lookman by being the fastest to react to a loose ball. Showed magnificent first touch severally.
4. Kevin Akpoguma And Calvin Bassey – They combined like they have been playing together for years. The duo are the only two Nigerian defenders enjoying regular run of games and it showed in how they complimented each other. A building partnership that could be the future mainstay of the defence.
5. Alex Iwobi Is Undroppable – He showed he holds the key to the system Peseiro wants to play. With Frank Onyeka’s limited on the ball ability, Iwobi severally dropped down to help the team beat the press and play from the back. He was also very involved in help making the transition from defence to attack. No one else can give the team what he gives at the moment.
