“Nigeria are a good team. It was a real test”- Belmadi reflects on Clash with Super Eagles
Head coach of the Desert Foxes of Algeria, Djamel Belmadi, has credited the Super Eagles for their performance against his team in Tuesday’s international friendly in Oran.
The Algerians made it four wins on the bounce over Nigeria after securing a 2-1 comeback win in Oran.
Lorient FC striker Terem Moffi opened the scoring for the Super Eagles after reacting quickest to a rebound but Manchester City winger, Riyad Mahrez, drew Algeria level from the penalty spot few minutes before halftime.
A superb strike from Youcef Atal ensured the dominance of the North Africa Giant over Nigeria continues.
Former Algeria International and current coach, Djamel Belmadi, reflecting on the win during a post match interview said:
”Nigeria are a good team, it was a real test. We played against them three times under my tenure. We beat them three times. They wanted to take their revenge.”
“Conceding a goal can break your momentum. We lacked vigilance, I don’t like it because I insist on it. We stuck to our plan. We relocated and reworked this team.
“I like what we saw in the second half in midfield. Normally, there is everything you need to have a seat and a way to play. We have what it takes with these three players. They have a half-time lived together. It takes time.”
“I thank my staff. We are one. I am their representative because we need a voice, but we are on the same wavelength.”
“Today [vs Nigeria] we played players who know each other so the level is improving even against a better team.”
“Against Guinea, I wanted to see new players, even if it meant having a lack of fluidity and automation.”
“Ahmed Touba has only 3 selections, Zerrouki is relatively young in this team. Atal had not played for a long time. We are satisfied, not everything is perfect but overall we are satisfied.”
Speaking further Belmadi added:”I really liked Ahmed Touba. Seeing him in these conditions against Iheanacho, Iwobi, Simon,… He had offensive quality, it was a real test.”
“We said we didn’t have enough options in central defense. I liked Tougai against Guinea too.”
“We have a lot of ideas but it is difficult to have the elements to apply them. There is no player who is complete in the Algeria National Team. There are qualities you don’t have.
“My wish is to play two games in November. We’ll see if that’s possible. There is nothing official, nothing concrete today.”
Cristaino Ronaldo and Seleção das Quinas of Portugal wait in line as the next opponent for the Super Eagles of Nigeria as both teams will meet during an International friendly in November.
ABIAZIEM OLISA
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