Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has expressed disappointment at Nigeria’s 2-2 draw against Algeria’s B side, but he believes that the team picked a lot of positives from the game despite the result.
Nigeria and Algeria’s home-based team drew 2-2 on Friday in a test match. Although the Super Eagles were not conivnving enough, the Algerians came well prepared and gave everything in the contest.
Algeria had a first half lead, but goals from Alex Iwobi and Cyriel Dessers provided a way back. Unfortunately, poor decision-making from Maduka Okoye ensured it ended 2-2.
Awoniyi says it was a fair result
Speaking to NFF Media after the game, Awoniyi believes that the result was a fair one albeit unfortunate. And he believes the game would help the team connect better.
“It was a good game, but it’s unfortunate that we couldn’t win,†Awoniyi said.
“Nonetheless, it was a game for us to know each other, to understand how we all play.
Awoniyi failed to find the target for Nigeria, but he says that he is under no pressure because a striker’s role is not just about scoring goals.
“Every striker likes to score goals, but there is more to a striker’s role. The most important thing is to bring your player into positions to score goals.
“But like I said earlier, the job of a striker is to score, to help your teammates. Then of course, if it works out, the game would be great for everyone in the end.â€
Nigeria will face the main Algerian team on the 27th in Oran and will be hoping for a much better outing.
Another Super Eagles player leaves Camp
Stand-in Super Eagles captain, William Troost-Ekong has left the camp of the team in Constantine after suffering a fitness issue.
Ekong has since returned to his base in Watford where the state of his injury will be further assessed.
“William Troost-Ekong has left camp as a result of an injury cropped during the test game yesterday. He is back to base for further checks. Wishing you a speedy recovery Ekong,†a tweet from the Super Eagles official handle revealed.
Ekong’s absence means there could be opportunities for the likes of Kevin Akpoguma or Kenneth Omeruo to start the game against the Desert Foxes in Oran..
The Super Eagles will face Algeria on Tuesday after playing a 2-2 draw against the North Africans’ B team on Friday.
This article was most recently revised and updated 3 years ago
