By SCM SPORT REPORTER
NIGERIA boss Eric Chelle has ordered his Super Eagles to forget about revenge and focus on the future ahead of Saturday’s explosive AFCON showdown with Algeria.
The two African giants collide at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, with the Super Eagles desperate to snap a miserable winless run against the Fennecs that stretches back to 2016.
The fixture is a repeat of the heart-breaking 2019 semi-final where Riyad Mahrez broke Nigerian hearts with a last-gasp free-kick. But Chelle insists his side are not looking into the rearview mirror.
”I’m not dwelling on revenge for 2019,” Chelle declared. “My priority is to compete fiercely and secure qualification. The mindset is paramount. Our group will remain united.”
FENNEC FURY
The stakes couldn’t be higher in Morocco’s fourth-largest city.
Nigeria haven’t beaten the North Africans since a 3-1 World Cup qualifying win in Uyo nearly a decade ago.
Algeria’s Bosnian-Swiss gaffer Vladimir Petković believes his side has the psychological edge to keep that streak alive.
Petković warned: “We have the reliability and the quality.
Tomorrow, we need to be just as good defensively as offensively. Nothing should be left to chance.”
TALE OF THE TAPE: NIGERIA VS ALGERIA
Saturday marks the 25th meeting between the rivals.
The history books couldn’t be tighter:
Algeria wins: 10
Nigeria wins: 9
Draws: 5
History is on the Eagles’ side when it comes to playing the Fennecs on Moroccan soil.
The last time these two met in Morocco for an AFCON clash was 1988—a legendary semi-final that went to a marathon 9-8 penalty shootout win for Nigeria after a 1-1 draw.
Chelle is hoping for a clinical performance this time to avoid such drama, adding: “We are in the process of determining our game-plan. I hold a deep respect for this Algerian team.” KICK OFF: 5pm Saturday.
