International Friendly: Five Super Eagles Players To Watch Against Algeria

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will battle it out with the Desert Foxes of Algeria in an international friendly match at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Stadium in Oran on Tuesday night.

Jose Peseiro’s team is depleted, with the likes of Ahmed Musa, William Troost Ekong,  Leon Balogun, Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze, and Emmanuel Dennis ruled out of the encounter due to injuries.

It could serve as an opportunity for some of the players that will be replacing the aforementioned stars.

Since the start of the 2022-23 season, some Nigerian players have started brightly and are brimming with confidence, ready to wreak havoc against Algeria.

Let's take a look at five Nigerian players to watch out for in the match.

1. Alex Iwobi:

The Everton midfielder is arguably Nigeria's best midfielder owing to his impressive performances for Everton this season.

He has been a shining light on the team as Frank Lampard tries to build a solid unit.

The 26-year-old star was instrumental in Everton’s 1-0 win over West Ham by providing the assist for Neal Maupay's goal.

Alex Iwobi

He was named Man of the Match in the game, and a few days later, the former Arsenal star was nominated for Premier League September player of the month.

Iwobi has continued his form while on international duty. 

He scored a stunning goal for Nigeria against Algeria's home-based team on Friday in a match that ended 2-2.

Lately, the Super Eagles team has been lacking a creative midfielder, Iwobi, in his present form, can answer the team's creative questions if played in the right position.

2. Terem Moffi

The Lorient striker has enjoyed a strong start to the season in the Ligue 1, going toe to toe with the likes of Kylian Mbappe and Neymar in the top scorers' list.

He has scored six goals in eight Ligue 1 matches for Lorient this season, drawing praises from the club's supporters.

Moffi is expected to lead the Super Eagles line against Algeria due to his current form for his club.

Terem Moffi

The 23-year-old made his debut for the team against Cameroon in 2021.

He scored a brace against Sao Tome and Principe as the Super Eagles ran riot in Morocco.

Moffi will be aiming to seal a place in the team following the absence of Victor Osimhen and Sadiq Umar.

3. Calvin Bassey: The Ajax defender has recovered from his shaky start at the Johan Cruyff Arena to become one of the most important players in the team.

Bassey was sent off on his debut for Ajax against PSV in the Dutch Super Cup in August.

He missed the team's first two League matches before returning to make the spot his own with eye-catching performances.

Calvin Bassey With Super Eagles

Bassey is expected to start in the central defence due to the team’s lack of numbers in that position.

He made his debut against Ghana in the 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifiers but Nigerians are yet to see his best, he has the opportunity to cement a place in the team and in the heart of teeming Nigerian fans.

4. Ademola Lookman:

The Atalanta winger has adapted well to life in Italy since he joined the Black and Blues in the summer from RB Leipzig.

He has provided three assists and scored one goal for his new club in seven Serie A appearances.

The 24-year-old has shown commitment since he made his debut against Ghana in Accra.

Ademola Lookman

He has scored once in four appearances for Nigeria, he will be looking forward to adding to the tally against Algeria.

Lookman is expected to start on the right wing for the Super Eagles, while Moses Simon keeps his place on the left.

5. Raphael Onyedika

 The versatile Club Brugge midfielder has been given the opportunity to show his talent to the coaching crew.

Onyedika has been likened to Paul Pogba as he can play as a defensive midfielder, attacking midfielder, and deep-lying playmaker.

He has the opportunity to stake a claim for a shirt in the team with the absence of Joe Aribo and the team lacking a creative midfielder.

Raphael Onyedika

Onyedika was a subject of interest from Italian Serie A Champions AC Milan before he eventually joined Club Brugge from Midtjylland.

Jose Peseiro is spoilt for options despite the team missing a lot of key players, and he will be hoping for an improved performance from his boys against Algeria on Tuesday night.

The match is slated for 8 pm Nigerian time.