Algeria will be tough, Bonfere Jo warns

Dutch coach and former Nigeria manager, Bonfrere Jo, has handed out a stern warning to the Super Eagles, that their Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup ambition lies in the outcome of their November 12 Group B qualification clash against the Fennecs of Algeria slated for the Godswill Akpabio International  Stadium, Uyo.
Bonfrere, who led Nigeria’s U-23 Dream Team to win the Atlanta 1996 Olympic Games soccer gold medal following a 3-2 win over Argentina in Atlanta issued this warning yesterday.
The 2000 Africa Cup of Nations silver winning Super Eagles manager warned that the November 12 match would be tough, insisting the Super Eagles should not handle the North Africans with kid’s gloves if they want to snatch the sole ticket in the group.
“Algeria will be a difficult match, yes, very difficult and the Super Eagles must be well up for it,” stated the Dutch gaffer.
“Algeria drew their first game at home (1-1 against Cameroon) and would want to recover the points in Nigeria.
“They have good players with most of them playing in the French League. This is a plus for them as they have understanding among themselves.
“They are more technical as a team and as individual players and the match is coming up on a natural grass which is okay for good football,” Bonfrere said.
He admitted the Super Eagles equally have good players but stressed that the difference between the North Africans and their West African counterparts is technique.
“Yeah, the Super Eagles have quality players,” Bonfrere further stated.
“Mikel, Musa, Iheanacho, Iwobi, Ighalo. These are all good players doing well in the (English) Premier League. Players with physical attribute, strength and skill.
“The Super Eagles must work hard to win,” Bonfrere Jo said.