International Football
Zambia, Algeria Hope for First Win
BY KUNLE SOLAJA.
Match Day 3 duels of the Group B of the Africa qualifying group for Russia 2018 will be rounded up this Saturday as Zambia host Algeria. Both sides are on a point each ahead of the game in Lusaka, Zambia.
Just like the current African champions, Cameron, neither Zambia nor Algeria had won a match since the final qualifying competition began last October.
As it is, only the Super Eagles have recorded victories in a group that was aptly dubbed “Group of Death” as all the four teams have been Africa Cup of Nations winners and three of the teams – Nigeria, Cameroon and Algeria – qualified for the last two editions of the World Cup in South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014.
But what initially looked like a Greek puzzle surprisingly turned simple like ABC as Nigeria appeared to be taking a stroll in the pack. All the three teams in the group have lost to Nigeria which is the only side to have obtained maximum points in all encounters.
Psychologically, Nigeria’s massive win over Cameroon may have effect on the Zambia-Algeria match coming 24 hours later. Both Zambia and Algeria have been both arithmetically and mathematically placed at huge disadvantage on qualification dream.
Victory by either therefore looks very unlikely. Zambia, playing at home will be without Rainford Kalaba who was cautioned in the team’s immediate past two matches against Nigeria last October in Ndola and away against Cameroon last November.
Meanwhile according to Times of Zambia, Skipper Kennedy Mweene said the Chipolopolo must beat Algeria just as Coach Wedson Nyirenda urged the players not to overrate Algeria but approach the game with caution.
The Zambian are third in a four-team Group B with one point, eight behind leaders Nigeria and will be desperate to pick up a win against Algeria to get the campaign back on track.
Cameroun are still second on two points while Algeria have one point.
The Times of Zambia reported that 26 players out of the 31 summoned for camp reported with just strikers Fashion Sakala, Patson Daka, Brian Mwila, Emmanuel Banda and defender Stoppila Sunzu being awaited.
Mweene said in an interview before their first training session at the Vodafone Woodlands Stadium that Algeria does not send any shivers down the player’s spine.
He said the North Africans were still beatable despite them having big names in Leicester City forwards Riyad Mahrez and Islam Slimani.
“I think the only result that will be acceptable at home is a win and then get something in Algeria. We are not afraid of them. Yes, most of them play in Europe but the football in Africa is different,” Mweene said.
The 2012 Africa Cup winning goalkeeper said despite the Chipolopolo bad start to the World Cup campaign, the team was still in contention.
“It doesn’t matter how we started the qualifiers, we are still in contention and we have to pull up our stocks,” Mweene said.
Mweene hailed the inclusion of the seven Under-20 players to the Chipolopolo saying that they can contribute to the glory of the team.
“If the under-20 impressed the coach in training, why not play them. It’s not about age, they do have some experience and it’s about who wants it more,” Mweene said.
Nyirenda said he was happy with the player’s turnout and that would work on blending them into a solid team.
Asked about midfielder Fwayo Tembo’s unavailability to play for the national team, Nyirenda said the squad had enough depth and will not have a problem with the player’s absence.
“I see great sparks in this group I have called, they have nothing to lose but everything to give,” Nyirenda said.
Meanwhile, Under-20 call-up Enock Mwepu said he has not come to warm the bench but play on Saturday.
Mwepu said that he was excited about being called to the senior national team for the first time and that he will do his best.
“I am here to play and not sit on the bench. I am ready for the challenge. Algeria is just a name, it’s a team like any other and we can stop them,” Mwepu said.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles put up a spirited performance but were edged 2-1 by Portugal in an international friendly at the Estádio Dr. Magalhães Pessoa in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The match served as Portugal’s final tune-up ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America and offered the Nigerians a chance to test themselves against one of Europe’s leading sides led by veteran captain Cristiano Ronaldo.
Portugal drew first blood in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto broke the deadlock, firing past Nigerian goalkeeper Maduka Okoye after a lively opening period in which both teams created opportunities.
The Super Eagles responded positively and were rewarded eight minutes before halftime when striker Akor Adams found the equaliser. The goal capped an impressive Nigerian fightback and ensured the teams went into the break level at 1-1.
Ronaldo, making a rare appearance against Nigeria, started the match and remained on the pitch until the 67th minute. The 41-year-old was given a standing ovation by the home crowd when he was replaced by Gonçalo Ramos.
Portugal made several changes after the interval as coach Roberto Martinez rotated his squad in preparation for the World Cup. Despite the substitutions, the hosts continued to press for a winner.
Their persistence paid off in the 75th minute when Francisco Conceição struck the decisive goal, restoring Portugal’s lead and ultimately securing victory for the European side.
Nigeria battled to find another equaliser in the closing stages but Portugal’s defence held firm to preserve the 2-1 result.
The defeat means Portugal have now won both meetings between the two countries. Their first encounter came in Lisbon in November 2022, when the Portuguese recorded a convincing 4-0 victory in a pre-World Cup friendly.
While the result will disappoint Nigerian supporters, the Super Eagles can take encouragement from their resilient display against one of the teams widely tipped to make a strong impact at the World Cup. Akor Adams’ goal and Nigeria’s competitive showing against a star-studded Portuguese side provided positive signs as the team continues its rebuilding process under the national team set-up.
For Portugal, the victory provides a confidence boost as they head to North America, where they hope their talented midfield and experienced squad can propel them to a successful World Cup campaign.
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Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo will be in the starting line-up when the Selecao take on Nigeria in an international friendly match which kicks off in a few minutes tonight.
The 41-year-old forward, who remains a key figure in the Portuguese national team, has been named among the starters as Portugal continue preparations for upcoming competitive fixtures.
Ronaldo’s inclusion is expected to add further excitement to the encounter, with Nigerian fans eager to see one of football’s greatest players in action against the Super Eagles.
The match offers Nigeria another opportunity to test themselves against top European opposition, while Portugal will look to sharpen their squad ahead of future international assignments.
Kick-off is scheduled for later tonight, with both teams expected to field strong line-ups in what promises to be an entertaining contest.
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By Kunle Solaja
Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Portugal will meet for only the second time at the senior level when they clash in an international friendly in Leiria on Wednesday night.
The encounter comes under remarkably similar circumstances to their first meeting in November 2022, when Portugal defeated Nigeria 4-0 in Lisbon just days before the FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
Once again, Portugal are using Nigeria as their final warm-up match before the World Cup. Four years ago, the Portuguese selected the Super Eagles to prepare for a group-stage clash against Ghana, the team that denied Nigeria a place at Qatar 2022.
History appears to be repeating itself. This time, Portugal are preparing for a World Cup opening fixture against the Democratic Republic of Congo, another team that shattered Nigeria’s World Cup ambitions by eliminating the Super Eagles from the qualification race.
The match at the 29,000-capacity Estádio Dr Magalhães Pessoa offers Nigeria an opportunity to avenge the heavy defeat suffered four years ago and test themselves against one of Europe’s strongest sides.
Portugal coach Roberto Martinez has assembled a star-studded squad featuring five-time Ballon d’Or winner Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva, Ruben Dias, Rafael Leão and João Félix.
The Portuguese head into the encounter unbeaten in their last four matches, having recorded victories over the United States and Chile while drawing with Mexico.
Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, have also enjoyed an impressive run. Since taking charge 15 months ago, the Franco-Malian tactician has overseen 24 matches and suffered only one defeat in regulation time.
With both teams carrying impressive recent records, Wednesday’s friendly promises to be far more competitive than the scoreline from their last meeting suggests.
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