The Super Eagles of Nigeria have ended their 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against the Fennec Foxes of Algeria thus preserving their unbeaten run in their group.
Gernot Rohr’s team had earlier booked a place at next year’s tournament in Russia on Matchday 5 following a 1-0 win over Zambia however that didn’t stop the team from producing a dogged performance against the Algerians.
Rohr made six changes to the team ahead of the Algeria game and they more than coped well with their hosts. After a goalless first half, Hapoel Beersheva midfielder John Ogu scored a long range effort after the interval to give Nigeria the lead.
Algeria should have equalised through striker Islam Slimani but he fluffed his lined with the goal gaping. He was however saved by the referee’s decision to give the home side a soft penalty for Shehu Abdullahi’s tussle with Yacine Brahimi in the box.
Brahimi thereafter netted the penalty to earn his side a 1-1 draw and also prevent new coach Rabah Madjer’s reign from starting with a defeat.
The aforementioned Brahimi was lucky to still be on the field when the penalty incident occurred as he appeared to headbutt Abdullahi and was given a yellow card some minutes before he stepped up to convert the spot kick.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria have been very impressive during the World Cup qualifiers with a return of 14 points from 6 games while Algeria will finish bottom of Group B (CAF section) with just 2 points.
