Mutiu Adepoju says Friday’s 2018 World Cup qualifier between  Algeria  and Nigeria  in Constantine is very crucial to the Super Eagles’ preparations ahead of the Mundial. The Eagles are the first African side to qualify for next year’s World Cup in Russia after amassing 13 points in Group B that also has Africa champions Cameroon and Zambia. The three-time African champions won four and drew one of their previous qualifiers to secure the group’s ticket to Russia.

But Adepoju, who represented Nigeria at the 1994 and 1998  World Cups, said despite the Eagles’  World Cup  qualification the Algeria tie would  help kick-start the Eagles’ preparations ahead of the trip to Russia. “Even though we’ve qualified for the World Cup, the match should serve as one of the team’s preparatory games for the tournament because there’s no time. I believe the game is as important as the World Cup,” the former Racing Santander midfielder, who was a member of the Korea/Japan 2002 World Cup squad,  said.

Speaking further, the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations winner stated that the exclusion of key players like Victor Moses, Moses Simon, Ogenyi Onazi and Odion Ighalo  from the Constantine encounter  would not affect the squad, adding that the players called up to replace them would give a good account of themselves.

“Twenty-three players are going to the World Cup and anyone called up merits their place on the squad. The new players should be able to hold their own and exhibit the same kind of performances these injured players are known for in the national team.”

Meanwhile, the Eagles began  training  in Rabat, Morocco, on Tuesday ahead of  Friday’s game at the Stade Mohamed Hamlaoui in Constantine.

The majority of the players invited by Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr for the World Cup qualifier and the friendly game against Argentina in Krasnodar, Russia,  on Tuesday have reported to camp. The Eagles are expected to leave Algeria for Russia on Saturday.

The Punch