Mansour Boutabout, a former Algeria international, says the Super Eagles lack big name players but quickly notes that Rohr’s men are full of speed and quality in the attack.
Boutabout told Francefootball.fr ahead Sunday’s 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal match between Algeria and Nigeria in Cairo that the Super Eagles possess speed and quality going forward, and submits that the semifinal clash would be a difficult game.
“It’s the last straight line. There is the physical freshness (among the Algerian players), but now it is mostly the mind that will make the difference,” said Boutabout who was capped 22 times by Algeria and scored 6 goals.
“It is the strength of the group that must carry you. I do not think we need to change much (in the starting lineup). But on the other hand, I feel that changes should be made earlier in the game.
“It will not be easy. There are no big stars in Nigeria, but there is speed and quality in the (Super Eagles’) attack.”
Also Read – INTERVIEW: Rohr Talks Up Eagles’ Readiness For Algeria Clash; On Lineup, Criticism Of Team
Boutabout also reflects on the Fennecs’ quarterfinal triumph over the Elephants of Ivory Coast.
“So far, this is the biggest game of this CAN. All the ingredients were present. There was play, intensity. The Ivorians have clearly raised their level of play.
“I was particularly impressed by the offensive trio, Kodjia, Zaha and Gradel. Algeria seemed a little notch above me.
“They were efficient in the first half, and should have killed the match with Bounedjah’s (missed) penalty kick.”
Boutabout represented Algeria at the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia which Nigeria won. The Algerian team lost to Morocco in the quarterfinals.
By Sab Osuji
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COMMENTS
Okay o, 90 minutes will speak. I wish Super Eagles well!
Me too
U are mad so it is algeria that have big names abi with players that plays where,mahrez that warms bench at man city,against players from arsenal,vilareal,torino,leiceister,levante,and so on,ok we shal see
Com’on Mahrez is a regular at City, but big names don’t win matches, determination and experience are the key.
Up Naija, Up eagles.
For you to say mahrez is a regular in mancity it shows you don’t watch football
@jones Bro help me educate this person he must be a chelsea fan from obosi u know no light there
Nigeria are away. please they should wear that all green Jersey. its a bad luck jercy. let them wear green and white
Nigeria are away. please they should not wear that all green Jersey i mean to say . its a bad luck jercy. let them wear green and white
Unfortunately the Algerian jersey is green too and they are the home team. I hope we wear our exciting Naija jersey.
This is what rohr has succeeded to do – confuse the opposite team.. Many of this nations don’t follow our players in their various teams same way we don’t follow the Algerian team in their various club side thus they rely on details from our coach who always tell them Nigeria is a weak team composed of average and this people would foolishly believe
Complete sports and false information are becoming 5 and 6 by the day..Where and when did Morocco and Algeria participate in Tunisia 94..I think the board should recruit a new set of reporters cos these jokers have continuously soiled the reputable name this brand has built over the years
what an insult’ “nigeria lack quality players”. my question is which of algerian player have quality?? mahrez is a bench warmer at city… by the way MAHREZ vs IWOBI balanced… now NDIDI vs who?? and CHUKWUEZE vs who?? this guy must have smoke weed before he face the camera..
Mahrez is rated higher than iwobi. Ounas is comparable to chukwueze but i’’ll take chukweze even though ounas is more the finished product. Now Ndidi has no equal in my opinion. I think our fullbacks are better defenders than theirs while theirs are better at complimenting their attack. The one position they have a glaring advantage is m’boli vs akpeyi. The wildcard may be what sort of production musa gives when compared to Belaili for them. Also, what will our bench produce, we know Ounas has been the best player off the bench in this tournament so far.
Up Super Eagles
Dude you must be smoking Crack not even cociane all the algerian players play for very well known club I’m not even going to go in to details
This is our toughest challenge yet. If we win this game, we will win the tournament.
Fly, Eagles, fly!
Unconcorbirity is worring this Algerian slave, please no one should listen to his insultive words. The result will tell after the match
u that doesnt smoke weed oya tell me how many algerians plying their trade at europe top5 league consist of seria, epl, laliga, ligue1, bundesliga. but nigerians i can mention 9 to 10 players and 7 are invited and 6 were starters… oya u wey be pastor mention just 5 algeria players for me so i can know i am a smoker…