The Super Eagles of Nigeria fell to the power play of the Desert Foxes' of Algeria in the International friendly played in Austria on Friday night.
Eagles were undone in the 6th minute of the game when they struggle to deal with the ball in the six yard box. An inswing ball from a corner kick was connected with powerful header by Algeria player but bounced off another Algerian player before it was tuck into the net by Ramy Bensebaini.
Both teams looks lethargic as they struggle for pace and cohesiveness but it was Super Eagles, parading mixed team of handful of debutants and returning players, that looks pedestrian,
Alex Iwobi had a go at goal in 20th minute but saw his header rattling the up-right.
Algeria on the other hand seem playing for the time as they look comfortable with their slender lead.
What do we learn?
Okoye looks byproduct. After conceding the early goal, he did well to coordinate his defence and ensures the team had firm grip of the Algerians in their subsequent corner kicks. He stretched to parry another inswing ball later in the match which show good reflex and body shape. At just 22, he still haa his career ahead of him and he'll definitely going to give Francis Uzoho a good run for his money to battle for the no.1 spot.
Zaidu Sanusi.
A mixed of Udeze and Babayaro. A much improved player above Jamilu Collins. Although just making his debut, Zaidu looks comfortable in the team and his attacking instinct put him in the rank of modern wingbacks.
Alex Iwobi.
A former Arsenal player and Everton attacker should be commanding a 5 star performance in a match like this. But as it's synonymous to his inconsistency lately, he flattered to deceive. Iwobi hardly put a killer pass nor had a firm grip of the midfield for the duration of time he lasted in the game. Perhaps he would be better off playing from the wing.
Samuel Chukwueze
The Villareal winger was a shadow of himself. He was tame by the Algerian defense and hardly sparkle the game in any bit. He lack his skills and cutting edge that made him fans favorite after his first few matches for Eagles.
Paul Onuachu.
The Belgium top scorer thus far this season had a below par game. As indicated in prematch presser, Gernot Rohr declare that Onuachu must adapt to the team's pattern not the other way round. Given his height, he would have been more efficient in the air but the gaffer adopted a rather opposite pattern that forced the gangling striker to hustle for ball in the midfield.
After the match, Gernot Rohr had this to say:
"This is a very good test for us. There are positives to pick from a tough game like this. Now we have to recover well and start to plan for the next game on Tuesday against another tough team."
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