Shorunmu cautions Eagles against Algeria’s tricks

• Mikel meets Conte over playing time
Super Eagles former goalkeeper trainer, Ike Shorunmu, has warned the team to beware of the tricks usually employed by North African teams, advising that they should not allow the Algerians to put them under pressure in the build up to next month’s Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier slated for Uyo.

He predicted that the Algerians would come to Nigeria full of anxiety, owing to the Super Eagles’ victory over Zambia in the opening group game.According to Shorunmu, the Algerians would try to disorganise the Super Eagles, who have now shown that they can take on any team in Africa, and therefore, advised the players to maintain the standard of play displayed in the game against Zambia.

The Super Eagles’ former goalkeeper said, “The Super Eagles have all it takes to beat Algeria. Winning in Zambia and topping the group is enough to scare the North Africans.

“So the Eagles should use the advantage they have now to maintain their leadership of the group. We have enough stars in the senior national team that can deliver the World Cup ticket. All they need is total support from Nigerians,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, Super Eagles’ Skipper, John Obi Mikel, has held a clear-the-air talks with manager Antonio Conte over his lack of playing opportunities, and wants to continue to work hard towards retaining his place in the starting XI.

Mikel told London Evening Standard that Conte “has been open and honest with me. I respect him for that. He has explained the situation and I totally understand.

“When you have been at a club for a long time, these things happen where a club wants to move forward.“I just have to be professional, work as hard as I can to try and get into the team. I work twice as hard every day and it’s because I appreciate this club.”Mikel, 29, has played nonstop at Chelsea for more than ten years following his transfer from Lyn Oslo, Norway.