Algeria coach reveals scheme to stop Iwuobi, Iheanacho

The Algeria national team coach, Georges Leekens, has made public his plans to stop the duo of Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho from getting on the ball in this weekend’s World Cup qualifier in Uyo.

Leekens made this known to the media in Algeria while commenting on the playing style of the Super Eagles in past games, that the players are usually in a hurry to release the ball to the duo of Iheanacho and Iwobi, who are by far the most creative among the Nigerian forwards.

These were his words, “We have found out the two most important players in the Nigeria team Iwobi and Iheanacho, in tight spaces their teammates are always looking for them. They are also good at running behind unnoticed.

Read also: Eagles target ninth win against Algeria

“The key is to deny them access to the ball, as whichever formation Nigeria play, they are key not even their captain Mikel. Stopping Iheanacho and Iwobi will neutralise Nigeria’s complex formation.”

The Nigerian senior national team had only recently won 1-0 over Tanzania in Uyo, and 2-1 away over Zambia in Ndola. In these games, the duo bailed Nigeria out with crucial goals. Arsenal forward Iwobi opened scoring in Zambia before Manchester City Iheanacho doubled the Eagles lead, adding to his goal which condemned Tanzania to defeat in Uyo.

 

By Ben Fidelis…

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now