'Nigeria One Of The Favourites To Win AFCON' - Algeria Captain Riyad Mahrez Wary Of Super Eagles

Published: July 13, 2019

In an interview after Algeria advanced to the semifinal of the Africa Cup of Nations, Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez is certain of one thing, that the Super Eagles will be more formidable than their quarterfinal opponents, Ivory Coast.

The Desert Foxes captain pointed out that the Super Eagles have an advantage as they faced South Africa on Wednesday while the North Africans battled the Elephants the following day.

It is fair to say that Nigeria are the favourites heading into tomorrow's fixture as they have never lost to Algeria on the field of play for 29 years.

''Yes, it's true that Nigeria is a very tough opponent. This is one of the favorites of this competition,'' Mahrez was quoted as saying by Le Buteur.

''Nigeria is always playing the leading role in the Africa Cup of Nations. First we will recover well because we will have a day less than them, then we will get to work to be on top of the day.''

The former African Footballer of the Year is optimistic about their chances of beating Nigeria and qualifying for the final.

Mahrez continued : ''Obviously, I am very optimistic like my teammates. We have achieved so far an exceptional journey in this AFCON.

''We have won a lot of games, that of Ivory Coast is the only one where we went to a penalty shootout.

''This drives us to be optimistic but we will base ourselves on work. We will prepare for this game well and give it all.''

Mahrez was in the Algerian side beaten 3-1 by Nigeria in a World Cup qualifier in Uyo in November 2016 and also started for the North Africans in the return leg.

Igho Kingsley