'It's not a small team' - Algeria coach hints at fielding strong XI v Nigeria on Tuesday

Algeria national team coach Djamel Belmadi has underlined that the Super Eagles are one of the big teams in Africa and hinted at fielding his strongest possible starting lineup in Tuesday's friendly at the Stade Olympique d'Oran (Bir El Djir).

The Fennec Foxes defeated Guinea 1-0 on Friday evening thanks to Islam Slimani's game-winning strike eleven minutes from time.

Slimani and another Algeria star with a Leicester City connection Riayd Mahrez started the game against the
Syli National on the bench, before they were introduced in the 72nd and 66th minute respectively.

Belmadi has assured that players used to playing together will start the game against Nigeria from the very beginning.

Speaking to reporters at the post-match press coference, the former Marseille midfielder explained : "A lot of positives. Nigeria is another game. We will try to get the whole group to play.

"The next game there will be more connection in our game because there will be players who are used to being there.

"You need automatisms to have a smoother game. Opposite, we have a good opposition. It's not a small team."

Nigeria are seeking their first win over Algeria in three attempts after they were beaten 2-1 by the North Africans in the semifinals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and lost 1-0 in the last game between the two countries in October 2020.

Jose Peseiro's team were forced to a 2-2 draw by the home-based Algeria side in a friendly on Friday.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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