Nigeria’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung, is confident the Super Eagles will defeat Algeria in the forthcoming 2017 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
The three-time African champions – ranked 60th in the world and 11th on the continent – face a daunting task at home against the Desert Foxes who are 26 places ahead and second in Africa.
The North Africans boasts one of the most potent attacks on the continent with the likes of Riyad Mahrez, Yacine Brahimi and Islam Slimani.
However, Dalung insists coach Gernot Rohr’s lads will be equal to the task when the Algerians come calling on November 12 in Uyo.
“We have never, in the history of football, played with Zambia and won; but we defeated Zambia in their home,” the Jos-born administrator said on Tuesday.
“So, that has set the tone of how determined we are to go and we are not at all intimidated by any ranking.
“As far as this particular competition is concerned, we are determined to face anybody irrespective of ranking; let the match determine the ranking.”
According to Dalung, the players have demonstrated that they are determined to win and make the nation proud.
“I believe that they will still make us proud but we will need to ensure that their welfare is catered for.
“We won’t leave room for excuses because one of the problems we had in the past is players not being paid their bonuses or allowances.
“There is a change from this particular tradition; the team will be given all allowances as we did the last time.”
