The super Eagles of Nigeria have continued their unbeaten run in the 2018 world cup qualification for Russia. Nigeria remain top of Africa World Cup qualifying Group B thanks to a 3-1 victory over Algeria in Uyo on Saturday.
A double from Victor Moses with efforts from John Obi Mikel were all the Super Eagles needed to tear apart the visitors at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium.
The result heaps the pressure on Algeria whose by FIFA ranking is ranked number one in Africa.
Mikel, who was included in the starting line-up turned in a great display to inspire his team to victory.
After a keenly contested opening minute, Moses took centre stage after 25th minutes with a ferocious strike past goalkeeper Raïs M’Bolhi after a one-to pass with team captain.
Yacine Brahimi missed an excellent chance to level before John Obi Mikel put the Super Eagles two goals up with three minutes to the half time break. The Chelsea midfielder profited from a terrible defensive play by Aïssa Mandi, showing good composure with a calm finish.
Mikel who has not played a game this season for Chelsea scored the second goal in the 42nd minute, and the goal was his 5th goal for the Super Eagles in 76 appearances.
Algeria reduced the arrears early in the second half through Nabil Bentaleb whose sizzler beat a hapless Daniel Akpeyi in goal for Gernot Rohr’s men.
But Moses restored their two-goal lead in the closing stages of the game and, somewhat inevitably, it was Moses who got the goal, as he latched onto a slide-rule pass from substitute Ahmed Musa and fired past M’Bolhi with his left foot.
With this victory, Nigeria lead Group B with six points four points ahead of Cameroon who were held to a 1-1 draw by Zambia.
It would be recalled that The Super Eagles have failed to qualify for two editions of the African Cup of Nations in which many of their fans are still livid. Eagles have however vowed to redeem themselves by qualifying for the 2018 Russia World Cup since they will not take part in the 2017 African Cup of Nations in Gabon
Meanwhile President Muhammadu Buhari has despatched a congratulatory message to the Super Eagles on their outstanding 3-1 victory over Algeria in the African qualifiers for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.
A statement from the spokes person of the President, Mr Femi Adesina said Buhari joined “millions of football loving fans in the country in celebrating the very-much improved national team for meeting our expectations during the entertaining and action-soaked encounter.
“The President commends the team and its handlers for displaying uncommon strength, determination and high professionalism in the onward and steady progress to the 2018 tournament in Russia.
“With six points in our kitty from two impressive wins, President Buhari assures the team that the Federal Government; and indeed all Nigerians will continue to support them to make the nation proud.
“The President also commends the Akwa-Ibom State government for hosting the match and the fans for their good conduct and sportsmanship throughout the game.”