PLAYER SPOTLIGHT: Riyad Mahrez – Algerian coach Rabah Madjer banking on Leicester player to beat Nigeria

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Thursday Nov 09, 2017. 19:00

Although Algeria are out of the race to book a spot at the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, the Desert Warriors will still have to protect their dignity when they meet Nigeria.

The thrilling encounter is set to be staged in Constantine on Friday as the North Africans will hope to boost their morale after a poor campaign.

Having a new coach in Rabah Madjer, the Algerians are aware that a win will ease their dismal qualifying campaign.

Madjer will lead the side for the first time after the axing of Lucas Alcaraz last month, and he wants a win to start his tenure on a high.

However, he will not make it happen alone and that is why players such as Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani must be in an uncompromising mood to down the Super Eagles.

"Our team is in crisis, it has been a difficult period for the players and that is why we have to get back to winning matches immediately (defeating Nigeria)," stressed Madjer.

Madjer will bank on the Leicester City winger as he has been impressive in the English Premier League in recent times.