Belmadi: How I masterminded Nigeria's downfall

by Staff Reporter

Sunday Oct 11, 2020. 13:00

Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi has revealed how he masterminded Nigeria’s downfall.

The 44-year-old tactician led the reigning African champions to a 1-0 win over the Super Eagles in an international friendly match on Friday.

“We had spotted two or three weaknesses that they could tactically have with certain players,” Belmadi said on Goal.

“Today, they actually played others so it disturbed some of the information I was able to give to the players a bit, but they adapted to this situation.

“We responded well against a team which is tactically in good shape. We gave a physical response with a lot of intensity in the midfield and in the pressing.”

Nigeria were keen to avenge the 2-1 defeat they suffered against Algeria in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals.

“These are things that we were able to work on. I think our players have been almost perfect against a strong team,” the 2019 CAF Coach of the Year continued.

“We came to find difficulty. We were tactically better. We did everything we had prepared this week. Great credit to the players.

“The new players played as I wanted. They have fully shown their qualities. I really appreciated the fact that I gave them the opportunity to play, I am satisfied with that.”

The only goal of the match was netted by Rami Bensebaini just six minutes into the encounter with Andy Delort grabbing an assist in a clash which was played in Austria.

“I think of Mehdi Abeid and Haris Belkebla who did a job at the heart of the huge game of pressing and harassment. They responded to the physical challenge,” he added.

Algeria will now face Mexico in their another friendly match on Tuesday.