Algeria Players Super Eagles Must Be Wary Of

As Nigeria Super Eagles set to meet Algeria this weekend in an important world cup qualifier, these are the Algerians players we need to take note of:

1. Yacine Brahimi [ FC Porto ]

Yacine who plays for Portuguese side FC Porto, is one gifted play maker that cannot be disregarded. 

The Algerian star has bagged 21 goals in 85 appearances for his club since he joined them from Odion Ighalo's former club, Granada. 

Brahimi plays as a support striker for Algeria, He is arguably even more effective when drifting inside, his tight control, intelligent combination play and clinical finishing making him a nightmare for opposition defences. 

2. Riyad Mahrez [ Leicester City ]

Ahmed Musa's team mate at Leicester City, Riyad Mahrez is undoubtedly a star player at club and country levels.  He may pose as one of the biggest threats to the Nigeria Super Eagles Riyad if he gets the leeway to.

The CAF African Player of the Year nominee scored a total of 23 goals in 54 appearances for Leicester City last season and has scored four times this term.

3. Islam Slimani [ Leicester City ]

Slimani is nicknamed “the dragon-slayer”  is known for his goal-scoring record against Yacine's Porto, Slimani can cause the Super Eagles defence all sorts of problems using his height and strength to his advantage and if he gets the right supply from trio Yacine Brahimi, Rachid Ghezzal and Mahrez, the 'fox' will be too dangerous to stop.

4. Nabil Bentaleb [ Tottenham Hotspur ]

Bentaleb is a well-rounded midfielder (CM) who can play in the hole behind the striker or at left wing, although was deemed surplus to requirements at Tottenham Hotspur. The 23-year-old star has been impressive for Schalke 04 on loan playing as a holding midfielder.

5. Rachid Ghezzal [ Lyon ]

Ghezzal is a left-foot play-maker. He plays his trade in France with Lyon. Ghezzal has made eight assists for Lyon this term. He has formed a fine partnership with strike-partner Islam Slimani in the Algerian team.
Ghezzal has made 11 appearances so far this campaign, netting once against Saint Etienne in Ligue 1.

He is one Algerian player to be on the look-out for.

We’ll be very careful against Algeria – Mikel

Super Eagles skipper, John Obi Mikel has urged his teammates to maintain their focus and discipline when they come against the Fennecs of Algeria in the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

The Nigeria captain noted that they must be careful when they confront Algeria in this weekend in the all importer match that could see them take total control of the Group B, having won the first game away in Zambia.

He told reporters, “The team spirit is good and we have to continue doing exactly what we are doing. We have to do things rightly.

“We look solid like a team, we are good defensively we look good, going forward, we look good, we create chances and we score goals.

“We have to keep doing what we are doing, keep focus in camp and discipline and make sure we work hard. They are a very good side so we have to do well in this game and make sure we have three points

“We have to be focused in this game and make sure we get the result. I think we are a very good side. We have a very young team, maybe just one or two couple of experienced players.

“The team is very young and very energetic. I think the counter is not going to be a problem to us. We can attack; we have got the legs to do that. We have to play to our own strength. They have to play to their own strength.

“It’s going to be a very tactical game, so we have to be very careful,” he concluded.

Mikel will be hoping to lead the Eagles out to victory as they seek to boost their chances of reaching the Russia 2018 finals.