TheCable

The Super Eagles of Nigeria have lost their friendly match to the Desert Foxes of Algeria by a solitary goal from Ramy Bensebaini.

The win at Worthersee Stadium in Klangefurt, Austria on Friday night means Algeria have increased their two-year unbeaten streak to 19 matches.

In their first ever meeting in a friendly encounter, Nigeria was without the quartet of Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi, Oghenekaro Etebo and Joe Aribo, while Algeria paraded a near full strength side.

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles coach, gave international debut to Porto’s Zaidu Sanusi and FC Midtjylland’s Frank Onyeka, while Semi Ajayi and Tyronne Ebuehi both returned to the starting line-up following a one-year absence.

Playing in their all-green jersey, the Super Eagles barely managed a touch when Algeria took the lead on six minutes through Bensebaini. The 25-year-old Borussia Monchengladbach defender pounced on a loose ball in the box following a corner kick and found the roof of the net with a left foot shot.

Algeria continued to dominate and Nigeria only mustered its first opportunity midway through the first period through Alex Iwobi, but the attacking midfielder’s shot from outside the area narrowly missed the target.

Maduka Okoye, Nigeria’s goalkeeper in only his fourth international appearance, produced excellent saves from Mahrez and Benrahma, while Paul Onuachu and Sanusi both went close for the Super Eagles as Algeria maintained their one-goal lead into the interval.

Moses Simon, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa entered the fray in the second period but did not stop Algeria’s dominance.

FT: Nigeria 0-1 Algeria.
A very competitive friendly game.#NGAALG#SoarSuperEagles #Team9jaStrong.

— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) October 9, 2020

Samson Tijani, who came on for Iwobi in the 83rd minute, almost equalized for Nigeria in the final minutes but his long range shot sailed harmlessly wide as Algeria claimed a 1-0 victory to extend their unbeaten run to 19 matches.