Rabah Madjer : Nigeria Refused To Take The Game Easy Despite World Cup Qualification

Algeria national team coach Rabah Madjer was satisfied with his side's 1-1 draw with Nigeria on Friday night, and admitted that the North Africans would have won if not for the opportunities they missed.

Israeli-based midfielder John Ogu broke the deadlock in the 62nd minute with a shot from distance, and the Super Eagles came so close to sealing their fifth win of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers but a controversial penalty was converted by Porto's Brahimi in the 88th minute.

''Frankly, we could not ask more to this team. We faced a very tough team from Nigeria, who did not let it go despite their World Cup qualification earned even before this match. We tried to develop our game despite the difficulties,'' Madjer said at a press conference attended by Le Buteur.

''That said, I think that what I saw tonight, the future of this selection looks bright. There are many positive things to remember, though, I repeat, not everything has been perfect.

''I think this draw is satisfying even if we could have won if we had converted the opportunities we got , especially in the second half.''

Despite the draw, Algeria finished last in Group B, having failed to register a win in the group stage for the first time since CAF expanded the qualifiers to 4-5 teams.

Igho Kingsley