Nigeria’s Super Eagles are gearing up for their second game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying series following an impressive victory over Zambia.
This time, the three-time African champions will come up against North African nation, Algeria, after defeating Chipolopolo 2-1 on the road.
However, the clash with the Desert Foxes poses an even stiffer test for the West Africans owing to the pedigree and quality of the visitors.
The Foxes parade talent in every aspect from attack to defence – with the current crop undoubtedly the country’s golden generation.
No wonder the Algerians (35) are ranked 25 places above Nigeria (60) and third on the continent.
Here are three danger men to look out for when the North Africans come visiting to Uyo on Saturday.
- Riyad Mahrez
This player needs no introduction. He was part of the reason Leicester City’s fairytale run culminated to winning the Premier League last season. Riyad Mahrez, the only African in the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year award, is also the reigning PFA Players’ Player of the Year. But he isn’t just fantastic at club level, the 25-year-old has notched six goals for his country in 26 games including twice in four in 2016.
- Islam Slimani
As if the tricks and flicks of Mahrez aren’t enough, the Desert Foxes also boast another marksman in Islam Slimani. The pairing of Mahrez and Slimani isn’t only working wonders for the national team but also at club level where they’ve both contributed nine goals. The 28-year-old is probably the most prolific goalscorer on the continent at the moment owing to his remarkable goal return. Prior to his move to the Premier League, Slimani notched 48 goals in 82 games for Sporting Lisbon and has struck 23 times in just 43 appearances for his country.
“He works hard and he’s always in your face,” said Leicester skipper, Wes Morgan.
“He causes defenders trouble and makes them think, so he’s a nightmare to defend against.”
- Yacine Brahimi
Many Nigerians remember Yacine Brahimi for unexpectedly beating Vincent Enyeama to the 2014 BBC African Footballer of the Year. The technically gifted FC Porto winger is known for his remarkable dribbling abilities and versatility. He was exceptional at the 2014 FIFA World Cup where his country progressed to the last 16. The 26-year-old just like the aforementioned duo is capable of wrecking havoc to the Nigerian back-four if not properly marked. Brahimi has scored seven times for the North Africans since switching nationality from France in 2013.
“Brahimi is doing fantastically well,” Portuguese-based journalist, Tom Kundert, revealed.
“He’s a superb dribbler and has proved to be a real handful for opposition defences.”
