Beware of Slimani, Mahrez, Amuneke warns Eagles

Former Super Eagles midfielder, Emmanuel Amuneke has warned the Super Eagles defenders to be watchful of the duo of Riyad Mehrez and Islam Slimani ahead of next month's 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

Both players have been enjoying rave reviews with Leicester City for their goals, assists and cunning style of play in both the Premier League and Champions League, where they have won all of their three matches in the group.

Nigeria are top of group C with three points, having won their opening match 2-1 against Zambia in Ndola while the Desert Foxes of Algeria managed a 1-1 draw against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon in Algiers.

The November 12 encounter could go a long way in determining the fate of both teams considering the fact that a win for the Super Eagles could put them five points ahead of the Desert Foxes.

"It's not yet celebration time for the team considering the fact that our next month opponent (Algeria) are a better team compared to Zambia. I am not trying to undermine the Zambian team but then, the Desert Foxes seem to have experienced players who are plying their trade in some of the best leagues in Europe," Amuneke told soccernet.com.ng

"Watching players such as Riyad Mehrez and Islam Slimani gives me a big scare because they are very dangerous and must not be given a chance in the 18-yard box. I have no doubt that we have capable defenders in William Paul Ekong and Leon Balogun who can match them strength for strength and in experience.

"The team must always watch every of their moves if they are to win that very match at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo. Besides, we must also take every of our goal scoring chances against Algeria," he said.

Comments

AKEREDOLU, KEKEMEKE AND OTHERS BID MRS FAGUNWA GOODBYE

EMIR OF KASTINA TELLS PRESIDENT BUHARI TO SIGN PEACE CORPS BILL

The Emir of Katsina, Abdulmumini Usman, has declared support for the Peace Corps bill passed by the National Assembly. The bill, which seeks to turn the Peace Corps, a non-government organisation, into a government paramilitary agency, has elicited mixed reactions from Nigerians. Proponents see it as an avenue to create jobs for thousands of youth while critics describe as a duplication of functions already being performed by existing agencies and creation of another bureaucracy at a time the country is finding it difficult to pay workers' salaries. The bill was opposed by existing military and security institutions in Nigeria and the Peace Corps leader Dickson Akoh is currently being prosecuted for alleged fraud. Apart from lawmakers, the bill is also supported by some prominent Nigerians including the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, who also asked Mr. Buhari to sign to it. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the Katsina emir made a similar call on the president on Thursda

NIGERIA'S BREAKUP IS NOT AN OPTION-DAVID MARK

N igerians must move on together as a breakup is not an option, former Senate President, David Mark, said on Friday. “Those who are agitating for otherwise are missing the point. Nigeria has crossed many crucibles. We cannot reverse ourselves,” Mr. Mark told Kaduna State Acting Governor, Alhaji Aminu Shagali, in Kaduna. He was at the head of a delegation of the Nigeria Defence Academy (NDA) 3rd Regular Course Alumni Association on a courtesy visit to the acting governor. “The only option is to move on in a manner that is progressive, peaceful and united,” he was further quoted as saying by his media aide, Paul Mumeh. “We may have our disagreements. But a breakup is not an option. We can resolve our differences through meaningful dialogue and genuine conversation." “There is no use heating up the polity,” the ex-Senate president added. He noted that no matter the imperfections, the nation is greater and better as an indivisible country.

9JATRAFFIC

Search This Blog