TheCable

Gernot Rohr, Super Eagles head coach, says his team is set out to end Algeria’s 18-game unbeaten record in the international friendly showdown in Austria.

Rohr, during a virtual press conference with journalists on Thursday, said the Eagles are ready to upset the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) champions, after 10 months hiatus from football activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Nigeria’s record against the North African country has not been impressive with eight wins, nine losses and four draws from the previous 21 matches.

In the 2018 World Cup qualification, Algeria were awarded the three points due to the ineligibility of Shehu Abdullahi in the game.

“You know that this Algerian team are unbeaten in eighteen games. Of course, they will want to continue but we will love to stop the series,” Rohr said.

“We love to stop the series but we know that it won’t be easy. They have made a lot of progress since the last time we met in Uyo (2016 World Cup qualifier).

“They are not the same team. Thought, there are still some players from then (the goalkeeper, Mahrez). But they have progressed a lot.

“For now they are really number one in Africa even if they are number four in the ranking but for me, they are the strongest team in Africa.

“It will really be a very big test for us. The second game in Constantine, we played a draw and we also dominated them.

“But we lost it on the table then (featuring of ineligible player in Uyo) and fortunately we were already qualify for the World Cup.

“So, I have a lot of respect for this team and they are the best in Africa for me.”

The Super Eagles will take on Algeria at the Worthersee Stadium on Friday. The kick-off is 7:30pm Nigerian time.

The Super Eagles will also take on the Carthage Eagles of Tunisia in another friendly on Tuesday at the Jacques Lemans Arena in Austria as well.