Algeria Coach : Mikel Goal Was Scored From An Offside Position

Published: November 13, 2016

Algeria national team coach Georges Leekens was disappointed with his side’s 3-1 loss to Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier on Saturday, and opined that Mikel’s goal in the 42nd minute was from an offside position.

In truth, the Chelsea midfielder thought he was offside after receiving a pass from Oghenekaro Etebo, but the referee and linesman encouraged him to play on when they failed to whistle or raise the flag.

“Nigeria’s second goal is not valid. There was indeed an offside position of the attacker. The assistant referee did not whistle this blatant foul, ” Leekens told reporters.

“This goal somewhat deconcentrated my players especially before the break.

“With a deficit of one goal, we would have comeback in the second half.”

Obi Mikel, who started his second straight game in the World Cup qualifiers despite being inactive for Chelsea, was replaced by Racing Genk’s Wilfred Ndidi in the 83rd minute.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com