Nigeria’s World Cup Unbeaten Run Intact, Draws with Algeria

Kunle Adewale

Super Eagles of Nigeria’s unbeaten run in the 2018 World Cup campaign was kept intact yesterday as they were held 1-1 by host, Algeria at the Stade Muhammed Hamlaoui, Constantine.

Mikel Ogu shot Nigeria ahead in the 62nd minute, but the Desert foxes restored parity in the 88th minute via a penalty kick.

With Nigeria having grabbed the only slot in Group B, there was little to play for other than pride.

Unsurprisingly, Super Eagles Coach, Gernot Rohr took advantage of having already booked a World Cup to test out some new players.

The Algerians had hoped to use the FIFA World Cup 2018 Qualification Group B match to re-launch their battered image and were hoping to end their qualifying campaign with a victory, having failed to qualify for next year’s finals which will be hosted by Russia.

They headed into yesterday’s match winless in Group B. They have only one draw and four defeats for their disastrous Russia 2018 campaign. Just one point from five games is certainly no good testament for a country that gave Germany, winner of the last World Cup in Brazil a scare before crashing out.

Nigeria dominated Group B having recorded four wins and two draws, collecting 14 points from six matches, a clear seven points ahead of second-placed Zambia.

The team will head for Russia for a Grade A friendly match against Argentina on Tuesday.

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