Peseiro and Eagles ready for Algeria double-header, Moffi may lead attack
Both teams will be looking to give a good performance as they failed to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup
Super Eagles coach Jose Peseiro has expressed enthusiasm ahead of the international friendly against the Desert Foxes of Algeria in Oran on September 27th.
As of the last report, all 24 players invited are already in camp, and the Portuguese tactician has already started work in earnest with the players.
Peseiro took to twitter to share his enthusiasm over the job ahead.
“It feels great to be back with the team! Look forward to a week of hard work and training, before the friendly match against Algeria. Let’s go!”
Both teams will be looking to give a good performance as they failed to qualify for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.
The Super Eagles’ camp at the Marriott Constantine hit the hundred per cent mark with the arrival of goalkeeper Francis Uzoho and defender Ebube Duru.
Nigeria champions Rivers’ United left-back Duru was called up following injuries to a number of players including defender Leon Balogun, and joined the team after returning from Liberia where the Pride of Rivers reached the penultimate stage of this year’s CAF Champions League group phase.
Team captain Ahmed Musa and forwards Henry Onyekuru and Samuel Chukwueze are the others knocked out by injuries.
Peseiro has approved that the three-time African champions have a training game against Algeria’s ‘B’ squad on Saturday in order to see a number of new and returning players in action, ahead of the official game against the Fennecs (Algeria’s ‘A’ team) in Oran on Tuesday evening.
The match against Algeria’s ‘B’ squad will start at 5.30pm on Saturday while the official game on Tuesday will commence at 8pm.
Goalkeeper Maduka Okoye, defender Kevin Akpoguma, midfielder Wilfred Ndidi and forward Chidera Ejuke are returning to the squad after some period out, while midfielder Richard Onyedika and forward Godwin Saviour are joining up with the big boys for the first time.
Israel –based goalkeeper Adeleye Adebayo was in the squad for summer’s AFCON qualifying matches against Sierra Leone and Sao Tome and Principe but did not see action.
Tuesday’s clash will be only the second-ever friendly match between the Fennecs and the Super Eagles, with the two-time African champions edging a clash in Austria in October 2020 by the odd goal.
When both teams clashed in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifying match in Oran in September 2005, the Super Eagles ran out 5-2 winners
Meanwhile, Lorient of France striker, Terem Moffi is favoured to lead the Super Eagles attack in Friday’s friendly against Algeria.
According to camp sources, the 23-year-old is turning heads in the team’s training ahead of the friendlies.
Moffi has been in fantastic form in the French Ligue 1 this season, netting six times in eight appearances for Lorient.
The absence of Victor Osimhen and Umar Sadiq due to injuries has also provided him the chance to stake claim for a regular playing berth in the team.
The forward bagged a brace in the Super Eagles last game against Sao Tome and Principe which Jose Peseiro’s side won 10-0.
Kelechi Iheanacho, Cyriel Dessers and Godwin Saviour are the other strikers in the team.
