The Super Eagles of Nigeria will take on reigning African champions Algeria in an international friendly game.
The game, scheduled for Friday 9th October in Austria, is one of two friendly games lined up for the Eagles. They will face Tunisia on 12th October.
This is the first meeting between both countries since their semi-final tie at last year’s AFCON in Egypt.
And ahead of the game,
Completesports.com look back on five unforgettable games the Eagles have had against Algeria.
Nigeria 3-0 Algeria (1980 AFCON Final)
Known then as the Green Eagles, the late Otto Gloria-led side took on Algeria in the final of the 1980 Africa Cup of Nations, inside the mainbowl of the National stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
It was the first time ever both countries will meet at the AFCON, with their previous two encounters coming at the 1973 and 1978 All Africa Games in Lagos and Algiers respectively.
And after 90 minutes of football, the Green Eagles were crowned African champions for the very first time following a resounding 3-0 win.
Two first half goals from Segun Odegbami and a second half strike from the late Muda Lawal, secured the win for the Eagles.
Also Read: Arsenal Announce Partey Signing From Atletico Madrid
Nigeria 1-1 Algeria (pen. 9-8) (1988 AFCON Semi-finals)
The semi-final encounter between Nigeria and Algeria at the 1988 AFCON is one of the most memorable games for the Eagles.
It was the fourth time both countries would cross path at the AFCON following their clashes at the 1980, 1982 and 1984 AFCONs.
The Eagles opened scoring in the 39th minute after the late Samuel Okwaraji’s miscued shot which was going off target bounced off Abderrazak Belgherbi before nestling into the net.
In the 84th minute the Eagles were reduced to 10 men after Ademola Adeshina was sent off with Maatar equalizing for Algeria two minutes later.
After both teams failed to score the winner the game went into penalties with the Eagles triumphing 9-8.
Peter Rufai emerged the hero for the Eagles after saving Lakhdar Belloumi’s spot kick.
Nigeria 4-1 Algeria (1994 World Cup Qualifiers, 1st-Leg)
The Super Eagles were grouped alongside Algeria and Cote d’Ivoire in the final qualifying round of the 1994 FIFA World Cup.
It was not the best of starts for the Eagles as they lost 2-1 away to Cote d’Ivoire in their opening qualifying group game.
However, they bounced back in their second qualifying group game when they hosted Algeria and won 4-1.
The Algerians took an early lead through Abdelhafid Tasfaout before goals from Austin Okocha, a brace from the late Rashidi Yekini and a Daniel Amokachi late strike secured the emphatic win and brought the Eagles’ qualifying campaign back on track.
Algeria 1-1 Nigeria (1994 World Cup Qualifiers, 2nd-Leg)
After recording heartbreaks in previous attempts, the Eagles finally qualified for the World Cup thanks to a hardfought 1-1 draw away to Algeria in their final group qualifier.
The Super Eagles needed at least a draw against Algeria to beat Cote d’Ivoire to the ticket who were on five points, just a point ahead of the three-time African champions.
A draw was okay to qualify the Eagles for the World Cup ahead of Cote d’Ivoire thanks to their superior goals difference.
Finidi George opened the scoring for the Eagles in the 19th minute which they held on until on 71 minutes when the Algerians equalised through Sidi Ahmed Zerrouki.
From there, it was wave after wave of attacks from the Algerians but the late Stephen Keshi-led defence held on to earn Nigeria a first ever World Cup ticket.
Also Read: Adarabioyo Joins Aina, Lookman At Fulham
Algeria 2-5 Nigeria (2006 World Cup Qualifiers, 2nd-Leg)
The Eagles secured a first ever win away to Algeria during the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany.
It was the second-leg tie between both teams in the qualifiers after the Eagles won the first-leg 1-0 in Abuja.
Prior to the game which was played in Oran, and the penultimate fixture of the qualifiers, the Eagles had lost six and drawn one of their trips to Algeria.
John Utaka and Obafemi Martins gave the Eagles a 2-0 lead at halftime before the Algerians equalised in the second half.
Yusuf Ayila made it 3-2 before Martins and Christian Obodo added the fourth and fifth goals.
However, the win was not enough as the Eagles were beaten to the 2006 World Cup ticket by Angola.
By James Agberebi
