Nigeria recorded their second successive victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier thanks to a 3-1 win over Algeria on Saturday.
Chelsea duo, Victor Moses (brace) and Mikel Obi were on target as the three-time African champions cruised to the summit of group B.
Gernot Rohr’s lads put in an impressive display at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium to outclass a Desert Foxes side ranked 25 places above them.
Here are six key lessons from that nail-biting encounter.
- Conte’s effect all over Victor Moses
Moses is enjoying his football once again under Italian coach, Antonio Conte, at Chelsea. The 25-year-old is flourishing in the gaffer’s 3-4-3 formation and that form was visible when he donned the colours of his country – scoring twice against Algeria.
- Mikel still got it
He might not have played a single game for the Blues this season but Eagles skipper, Mikel Obi, is undoubtedly one of the best on the continent. The 29-year-old proved that once again for Nigeria by playing in an advance role and got a fortuitous goal to crown his effort.
- Rohr’s got the winning formula
Three wins in three games is definitely no fluke. German tactician, Rohr, is obviously getting something right with the three-time African champions. The gaffer has managed to guide the Eagles to victories against Tanzania, Zambia and Algeria with his lads notching six goals in those games.
- Mahrez struggles for country
He might be the reigning PFA Player of the Year and also on the 23-man shortlist for the FIFA Men’s Player of the Year but Riyad Mahrez obviously isn’t the same superstar for Algeria as he is for Leicester City. The 25-year-old evidently struggled against Nigeria – no wonder he has only scored six times for his country.
- Nigeria has one foot in Russia
With six points from two games, Nigeria are clear favourites to progress from Group B of the world cup qualifying series. Cameroon have two points while Algeria and Zambia have one apiece. The Super Eagles face the Indomitable Lions at home next with a victory almost guaranteeing their qualification.
- Football is won on the pitch
Prior to Saturday’s encounter, Algeria coach, Georges Leekens, boasted about his side defeating the Eagles. His team also arrived Nigeria with their food, pillow and other basic necessities. However, all these counted for nothing as Nigeria still carried the day on the pitch.
