We could not have asked for more - Algeria coach Rabah Madjer

Islam SLIMANI of Algeria Challenged by Leon BALOGUN (L) and William EKONG(R) of Nigeria during the Russia 2018 World Cup Qualifier match between Nigeria vs Algeria on November, 12th 2016 at Godswill Akpabio Stadium ©Kabiru Abubakar//Backpagepix

by Graeme Jackson

Sunday Nov 12, 2017. 11:00

Algeria coach Rabah Madjer has said he could not have asked for more from his team after they held Nigeria to a 1-1 draw in their final 2018 World Cup qualifier.

The teams played to a stalemate in Constantine on Friday evening, with Yacine Brahimi’s late penalty cancelling out John Ogu’s opener just past the hour mark.

The result was only academic, with the Super Eagles having already secured qualification before the match, while Algeria ended bottom of the group despite the point earned.

Yet new coach Madjer, who has recently succeeded Spaniard Lucas Alcaraz, was satisfied with what he saw.

“Frankly, we could not ask more of this team. We faced a very tough team from Nigeria, who did not let it go despite their World Cup qualification earned even before this match,” the Fennec Foxes coach told a post-match press conference, as quoted by Le Buteur.

“We tried to develop our game despite the difficulties. That said, I think that what I saw tonight, the future of this selection looks bright.

“There are many positive things to remember, though, I repeat, not everything has been perfect.

''I think this draw is satisfying even if we could have won if we had converted the opportunities we got, especially in the second half.”

Algeria and Nigeria will both be in action this coming midweek when they play international friendlies against Central African Republic and Argentina respectively.