As the clash between the Super Eagles and Algeria edges closer, many Nigerians have continued to express fear over the chances of the team.
The three-time African champions began their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign with an impressive 2-1 victory on the road against Zambia.
The Desert Foxes on the other hand were held to an absolute boring stalemate at home by Cameroon who host the Chipolopolo in the other game.
However, Algeria over the last year have proven to be the best side on the continent, which is why they are ranked 35th in the world and 25 places above Nigeria.
But this will count for nothing on Saturday when they visit Uyo. Here are five reasons the Eagles will come out tops.
- History favours Nigeria
Nigeria hold a remarkable advantage over Algeria when it comes to head-to-head record. Both sides have clashed 17 times with the Eagles winning eight and losing six while three ended in stalemates. More worrying for the visitors is that they’ve failed to win in seven games with their last victory coming over 26 years ago.
- The Iheanacho factor
Nigeria youngster, Kelechi Iheanacho, boasts an unbelievable shot accuracy. The 20-year-old has struck 11 goals for Manchester City in the Premier League from just 17 shots. For the Super Eagles, he has found the back of the net in his last four games. With his remarkable rate, it is almost certain that the young lad will score again on Saturday.
- Home advantage
Assuming this game was to be played away, the Eagles would have probably lost even without kicking a ball. This is because of the antics and crowd troubles of the North Africans. But playing at home, the Nigerians will play under a positive condition with the necessary support of the fans.
- Algeria injury crisis
Algeria will be without about five key players when they battle Nigeria. These are Napoli left-back Faouzi Ghoulam, Dinamo Zagreb forward, Hilal Soudani and France based trio Ryad Boudebouz, Rachid Ghezzal and Adam Ounas.
- The Rohr streak
Nigeria are unbeaten in two games under Gernot Rohr. The Super Eagles rounded off a disappointing 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier with an impressive 1-0 victory over Tanzania. This was followed by an even more superb display in Ndola where they defeated Zambia.
