The camp of the Super Eagles in Austria is in a great mood due to the arrival of all invited players, and showing good confidence as they prepare to take on African champions, Algeria, and the continent’s second-ranked team Tunisia in two friendlies between Friday and Tuesday.
The news Former Germany U-20 captain Kevin Akpoguma, who arrived at the camp only to bond with Nigeria’s international train ahead of his switch to the fatherland, who has been cleared by FIFA’s single judge to represent Nigeria also added to the joyous mood.
His clearance solidifies a dependable backline of Kenneth Omeruo, Leon Balogun, Chidozie Awaziem, William Ekong, Olaoluwa Aina, Jamilu Collins, Oluwasemilogo Ajayi, and first-time invitee Zaidu Sanusi.
Algeria, who have a second game against Mexico in The Netherlands on Tuesday, come into Friday’s game not only as the champions of Africa but also on the back of an 18-match unbeaten run. They have not lost on the pitch since they were bumped by the odd goal in an AFCON 2019 qualifier away in the Benin Republic in October 2018.
Djamel Belmadi, the former Algerian international who coached his country to a second continental title in Egypt last year, has included standout names Riyad Mahrez, Yassine Brahimi, Sofiane Feghouli and Baghdad Bounedjah in his 24-man squad to confront the three-time African champions.
Coach Gernot Rohr also has in his team Captain Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, Samuel Chukwueze and Kenneth Omeruo, but he has to do without electrifying forward Victor Osimhen and midfield lynchpin Wilfred Ndidi. New birds Frank Onyeka and Chidera Ejuke, and former U17 captain Samson Tijani have the opportunity to impress.
Both matches will kick off at 8.30pm Austrian time (7.30pm Nigeria time).
