Nigeria’s Super Eagles today defeated their Algerian opponents 3-1 to further boost their chances of qualifying for the Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. With the victory against the North Africans secured at the Akwa Ibom Stadium in Uyo, Nigeria now sits comfortably at the summit of its qualifying group.
Victor Moses started things off in the 25th minute when he stole a loose ball in the Algerian danger area and swept it past the opposition’s goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead. Algeria threatened to cancel Moses’ goal out with a couple of half-chances which they failed to convert. John Obi Mikel punished the Algerians’ profligacy in the 41st minute when he drove in Nigeria’s second, following an incisive pass from Oghenekaro Etebo.
The second half proved a less comfortable ride for the Super Eagles. A number of threatening forays were made into the Nigerian area by Fennecs foreshadowed an Algerian comeback. Their persistence finally bore fruit, with a goal from Nabil Bentaleb in the 66th minute. However, Moses made it safe for Nigeria in injury time as he finished off a determined attacking move with his second goal of the match.
Nigeria now sits at the top of Group B of the World Cup qualifiers for Africa, with six points from two games. The other two teams in the group, Cameroun and Zambia, played out a 1-1 draw on Saturday. This result suits Nigeria perfectly well; Cameroun is in a distant second place with two points from two drawn games.