The Super Eagles drew 2-2 with Algeria’s B team in an unofficial friendly match at the Chahid Hamlaoui Stadium in Constantine tonight.
Tonight’s match was initially meant for the home-based Algerian national team and their Nigerian counterparts, but the Super Eagles played it instead and called it a ‘training game’ ahead of Tuesday’s official friendly with the main Fennecs squad.
Alex Iwobi and Cyriel Dessers, who were both substitutes, scored for the Super Eagles, while Karim Aribi and Aymen Mahious struck for the hosts, who are preparing for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) they will host next year.
Aribi shot Algeria ahead two minutes before half-time while the other three goals were scored after the break.
Super Eagles head coach Jose Peseiro fielded an experimental side, with a mixture of regulars and new faces.
Watford goalkeeper Maduka Okoye was in the starting line-up, with the defence made up of Torino’s Ola Aina, Watford’s William Troost-Ekong, Sochaux’s Valentine Ozornwafor, Hajduk Split’s Chinedu Awaziem and Rivers United’s Ebube Duru in his first appearance for the Super Eagles.
Brentford’s Frank Onyeka, new boy Club Brugge’s Raphael Onyedika and Herrha Berlin’s Chidera Ejuke were in midfield, with Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman and Nottingham Forest’s Taiwo Awoniyi upfront.
Both sides made wholesale changes at half-time and it was the Super Eagles’ substitutes that made the difference.
The Super Eagles are expected to start with a stronger starting line-up against the main Algeria team on Tuesday in Oran.
