2018 World Cup qualifiers: Group B players to watch

by Austin Ditlhobolo

Tuesday Nov 07, 2017. 12:30

We look at the players to watch ahead of this weekend’s round of 2018 World Cup qualifiers. Today’s focus is on Group B: Nigeria, Zambia, Cameroon and Algeria.

Group B fixtures

Friday 10 November
Algeria v Nigeria - Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui, Constantine - 21h30 CAT

Saturday 11 November
Zambia v Cameroon - Levy Mwanawasa Stadium, Ndola - 15h00 CAT

Algeria - Riyad Mahrez

A move to a more central attacking position at club level with Leicester City has seen a rejuvenation in Riyad Mahrez’s form, and new Algeria coach Rabah Madjer may well be weighing up whether to deploy the 26-year-old in a similar manner when his Fennec Foxes face up to Nigeria in Constantine on Friday night.

Nigeria - Kelechi Iheanacho

With Odion Ighalo out of contention due to injury, Kelechi Iheanacho may well have the chance to be a starting centre-forward in Nigeria’s clash in Constantine. The Leicester City man has proved his worth as an ‘impact’ player coming off the bench during the 2018 qualifying campaign, and will be eager to stake a claim as a regular starter under coach Gernot Rohr.

Zambia - Lewis Macha

A good turn of form for South African side Baroka FC and doubts over the fitness of Patson Daka and Emmanuel Banda could see Lewis Macha leading the line for Zambia. The 25-year-old will hope to impress coach Wedson Nyirenda and the Ndola public with a strong showing against heavyweights Cameroon.

Cameroon - Benjamin Moukandjo

The 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign has been a disaster for Cameroon and it may well see the end of coach Hugo Broos. The Belgian will look to his on-field lieutenant, skipper Banjamin Moukandjo, to inspire the Indomitable Lions to a victory in Ndola which would at least see them seal second place in the group.