BREAKING: Mahrez Not Afraid Of Prolific Super Eagles’ Goal Rush Ahead Of Nigeria Vs Algeria AFCON Clash
Algeria captain, Riyad Mahrez, has admitted, half in jest, that Nigeria’s free-scoring form at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has caught his attention, as the Super Eagles prepare to face the Desert Foxes in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash at 5 p.m. today, January 10.
Speaking to reporters in Morocco after Algeria’s last outing, Riyad Mahrez could not ignore the numbers Nigeria have posted so far in the tournament, with the Super Eagles scoring 12 goals on their way to the last eight of the competition.
“Nigeria have scored 12 goals, I am afraid,” Mahrez laughed.
“No, they have scored a lot of goals in this competition. They have a very good attack, I cannot deny it, but tomorrow will be tomorrow (today).
“So I am not scared at all, it’s a football game, we have our quality, and I think it will be a good game on Saturday.”
The former Manchester City winger expects a fierce match against a Nigerian side that has been one of the standout teams at the ongoing AFCON.
While Nigeria have dazzled going forward, Algeria have built their campaign on defensive discipline, conceding just once on their route to the quarter-finals. That contrast has added extra spice to Saturday’s meeting between the Super Eagles and the Desert Warriors.
Nigeria defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is unfazed by Algeria’s reputation at the back and believes the Super Eagles have what it takes to push through to the semi-finals.
The full-back, who plays his club football with Birmingham City, says Nigeria’s attacking confidence will be key.
“You’re facing the best attacking team in Africa, in my opinion, so we’ll do our best to win,” Osayi-Samuel told reporters in Morocco.
“We take each game as they come. We understand what’s really on the line, we know that Nigerians are rooting for us to win this match, and we will give our best effort to make sure we come out on top.”
Nigeria have started matches at a high tempo throughout the tournament, a pattern Osayi-Samuel believes could make the difference against a well-organised Algerian side.
“I think the goal is to make sure we don’t arrive first, so we can try to win before penalties, even before extra time,” he said.
“Because if you look at how we began the games, we started strong, and you want to do that against Algeria.”
Despite his confidence, the defender was quick to acknowledge the quality in the Algerian camp.
“Great team, very good team. They haven’t conceded, I saw the last match, and they are really skilled players,” he said.
“I believe we can win the game.”
