Biodun Bakare
The Algeria Coach, Djamal Belmadi, has said he is expecting a difficult draw with the Nigeria Super Eagles
Belmadi said Super Eagles pose more threat than Morocco given the pedigree of Nigerian players in Europe at the moment,when questions from reporters in Wednesday’s press conference ahead of the friendly match in Austria,
The desert foxes coach believes playing the Super Eagle will provide the enough test needed for his team as the country preparations to defend their AFCON trophy won in Egypt last year
“Playing against Nigeria is a benchmark match, especially in the first half, we could have led 3-0,” Belmadi said as he recounts 2019 AFCON semi-finals clash with Nigeria.
“They are always very close matches against them, moreover they won more than we did. I am looking forward to a tough game against Nigeria to make progress.
“We could have opted very quickly against smaller teams but I had the requirement to obtain these two prestigious matches against Nigeria and Mexico,” he said.
Belmadi said Nigeria’s new stage as the third-best team in Africa gave credit to his resolve to engage coach Gernot Rohr side.
“Nigeria everyone knows is the third-best team in the FIFA / CAF ranking,” he told Algerian sports platform DZ foot on Wednesday.
Nigeria remain unbeating in there last five matches after losing to Algeria in 2019 AFCON semi-finals after Riyadh Mahrez’s free-kick sent Desert Foxes through.
