eagle will try and exploit Algerian defense

Nigeria was able to put two goals past Zambia in Ndola a few weeks back and will hope to do more when Match Day Two of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers resume.The Super Eagles will host Les Fennecs of Algeria at the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo [ below ]

looking to take another giant step towards qualifying for a third World Cup on the bounce.It was all guns blazing in the first half against the Chipolopolo as Alexander Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho put the Zambians to the sword. A lot will be required of Nigeria’s attackers when they come up against Algeria who are now in a race against time to get ready for the battle in Uyo.Foxes defence no longer imperviousDefensively, Algeria hasn't been the same since the exit of Majid Bougherra and Rafik Halliche who have been the rock which the Foxes defence was built. Both were outstanding as Algeria quietly went about their business to become the number one team in Africa a few years back. In as much as they have been knocked off their perch in the last Fifa rankings as 2015 AFCON winners Ivory Coast took away the number one spot , sitting at number three, the Foxes want to avoild any further slippingIt isn’t rocket science to note that Les Fennecs greatest strength is in midfield and attack. The likes of Sofiane Feghouli, Riyad Mahrez, Islam Slimani and Adlène Guedioura all have excellent creative abilities but the defence is where Algeria have faltered recently.In fact the Algerians were so sloppy that the Indomitable Lions coach Hugo Broos fumed when his team was unable to convert more of the myriad of chances they had, and walk away with a win. He pointed out that the North Africans played uncoordinated in the back, and were repeatedly caught out of position. Persistence did finally pay off as his strikers were able to hit true because his runners did not give up, and weren’t afraid to go at the two centre backs Liasinne Camaduro and skipper Carl Medjani [ below ] .

The latter has bags of experience and is a leader on and off the pitch but isn’t exactly the fastest centre back around and at 31, might be losing a bit of sharpness that he has exhibited over time. This might be a cue to Super Eagles coach Gernot Rohr to look at how to set up his attack and attack the spaces between the central defence area. The full backs are quite solid but the Eagles need to find a way to get past them.Napoli’s Faouzi Ghoulam at left back for Les Fennecs will be a formidable task for whoever is up against the 25-year-old. Very strong aerially and in the tackle, he will be a tough nut to crack but if Nigeria’s wingers have a good day then it will be joy for Nigerians. Mehdi Zeffane started at right back in the last game against Cameroon and had a decent game even though Cameroon’s equaliser came from the right channel. He is quite adept defensively and always joins in the attack when needed.Speed will remain Nigeria's not so secret weaponAlgeria is usually lined up with Mahrez on the right side of attack due to his ability to cut in from and do damage with his fantastic left foot and because most of Algeria’s attacking threat comes from the Leicester City man, it means Zeffane usually sits deep to provide protection. This again can play into the Eagles hands if they can exploit the spaces in midfield areas to have a go at the centre backs one on one.The pace of Ahmed Musa, Moses Simon or Victor Moses will be a major weapon if Algeria insists on using the same system they used against Cameroon. Algeria, needing to get their campaign back on track after picking only a point in Bilda will arguably be more offensive on match day in Uyo.This should suit Nigeria well as space will appear in the midfield areas and final third which the Eagles should do well to exploit.Chances will be few and far in-between so the Eagles have to be clinical in front of goal if they are to get the three points at stake.Their finishing certainly has to be better than it was against Tanzania and Zambia - no doubt.Ahmed Musa has finally found his rhythm in the BPL according to his coach Raineri. Nigeria will expect a big game from the speedster come game day.That being said, Algeria might still line up differently in defence as Assai Mandi should be back to stuff up the right back position which was exploited by Cameroon.

Hichem Belkaroui is also expected to be in reckoning to partner skipper Carl Medjani in the centre of defence after missing out of the game against the Indomitable Lions. Algeria will definitely tweak their defence for the away game to Nigeria as they try to steady their ship.No coach big worriesThe defence won’t be the only issue Algeria have to contend with. There is the little matter of who will lead the team to Nigeria for the game after Milovan Rajevac’s departure after the 1-1 draw with Cameroon.The Serbian quit his post after the 1-1 draw against Cameroon earlier this month and the Football Federation Algeria have been looking for coach since then.His departure was said to be due to a player mutiny even though that has been denied by the Algerian football authorities. The 62-year-old only replaced Frenchman Christian Gourcuff in April and was in charge for only two games.Les Fennecs will have their third coach in a year-just like the Super Eagles when Match Day Two of the 2018 Fifa World Cup qualifiers hits the surface of the Akwa Ibom International Stadium in Uyo in November. Former Cameroun coach Paul Le Guen was touted to be Rajevac’s replacement but that turned out to be mere paperwork. Belgian Marc Wilmots, who last handled the Belgian national side looked to have a deal in place to take charge but that didn’t cross the line as well.French man Philipe Troussier and Serbian Safet Susic have also been mentioned in the local press in Algeria although nothing concrete has come from the Federation as yet.Whoever gets the job will have a herculean task of getting the troops ready for the showdown in Uyo. To make matters worse, as the clock keeps running the assignment keeps getting harder with every tick.A win for Nigeria will see her path clearer towards qualification while an Algeria loss will trigger panic stations for Les Fennecs who made it to the last World Cup in Brazil, and expect to be in Russia as well.News Headlines