Nigeria vs Algeria: Fans seek wing-back role for Moses

Football fans in Ebonyi have advised the Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr, to field Victor Moses in the right wing-back position during the forthcoming Russia 2018 qualifier against Algeria.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Moses continued his rich form in that position during Chelsea’s EPL match against Southampton on Sunday under its new 3-5-2 tactical formation.

Moses in the first half provided the assistance for Belgian Eden Hazard to score the first goal before Diego Costa’s sublime finish in the second half earned Chelsea a 2-0 win.

The fans told NAN on Monday in Abakaliki that Moses’ rich form should be effectively utilised to disorganise the North African team’s fluid pattern of play.

Edmund Ndukamma, a former Rangers International FC of Enugu defender, remarked that fielding Moses in that position would immensely benefit the Eagles against Algeria.

“Moses will help the Eagles’ attack pile pressure on the Algerian defence from the right wing thereby disorganising their quick-pass movements from its lethal left-wing.

“He will also assist the Nigerian right full back which was problematic against Zambia in the team’s first qualifier in Ndola,’’ he said.

Nicodemus Omenka, former Ebonyi Commissioner for Youths and Sports, corroborated Ndukamma’s claim, noting that Moses would play a vital role in the Algerian match.

“He is one of Nigeria’s hottest players in Europe currently and his presence would psychologically affect the Algerians who are also grappling with their coaching problems.

“His blistering runs from the right wing will give Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi more room to operate, while also assisting the defenders to curtail the Algerians’ incursions,’’ he said.

Jude Nlemchi, Colombia FC of Abakaliki player, advised Rohr to place emphasis on current form in selecting players to be fielded against the Algerians.

“Players such as Moses, Iwobi, Iheanacho among others should be fielded against Algeria as the system worked against Zambia in Ndola.

“The Algerians play a `fast-paced’ style and the Eagles need fit, aggressive and skilful players to disorganise their strategy for the much needed win,’’ he said.

Chief Silas Mgbebu, a businessman and soccer enthusiast, urged the Eagles to approach the Algerian match with serious determination as if they were playing in a cup final.

“The players should replicate the level of commitment for their clubs in the Algerian match to ensure the team achieves the much needed victory.

“Winning the match will make them the `group of death’ leaders before qualification hostilities resumes in 2017 with the accompanying psychological edge over their opponents,’’ he said.

Mrs Scholastica Igwe, a civil servant and soccer admirer, warned that the euphoria of the Algerian match if not properly handled, might affect the Eagles.

“The only sporting news on the airwaves currently is the match with Algeria and the euphoria should not be allowed to pile undue pressure on the players and officials,’’ she said.