Four Takeaways From The Super Eagles Heartbreaking Injury Time Loss To Algeria

Nigeria will not play against Senegal in Friday's final of the 2019 AFCON but will rather face Tunisia on Wednesday in the third place final.


1. Better Second Half By The Eagles

The Super Eagles deployed a different tactics from their quarterfinals game against South Africa.

It was all attack against South Africa but Gernot Rohr's side were a bit more conservative in the first half in the Algeria game but came out more purposeful in the second half.

Unfortunately Riyad Mahrez's goal came at a time that it was difficult to bounce back from.

2. Etebo, Ndidi's  Midfield Partnership

The duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Oghenekaro Etebo's combination as the two holding midfielders for Nigeria were superb.

They were screening the back line and also offered so much going forward. Etebo's shot hit Aissa Mandi's hands for Nigeria's penalty scored by Odion Ighalo.

Sadly for Ndidi despite his great efforts he gave away a free kick which Riyad Mahrez scored from.

3. Game Management

The Super Eagles players hoped that the match will go into extra time after 90 minutes at 1-1 having rested 24 hours more than the Algerians after their quarterfinals exertions.

However the Eagles could not hold on to the draw they needed to bounce back from in the extra time. Teams ought not to concede free kicks in the penalty area especially when they have quality players like Riyad Mahrez.

4. The Eagles Faced A Tough, 'Pressing' Algeria

Opinions were split over who the opponents should be for Nigeria in the semifinals between Algeria and Ivory Coast but the North Africans pressed the Nigerians from the start .

Perhaps with benefit of hindsight Ivory Coast could  have been better opponents for the Eagles.

Izuchukwu Okosi