Newly appointed coach of the senior national team of Algeria Rabah Madjer says he is targeting a win over Nigeria in their dead rubber World Cup 2018 Qualifiers tie against Nigeria.
Madjer was appointed coach few days ago with a mandate to ensure that the team qualifies for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, and the coach says a win over Nigeria will boost their morale ahead of their AFCON Qualifiers game next year.
Nigeria are already through to the World Cup but Madjer insist he expects a tought game nonetheless as Nigeria are presently one of the best teams in Africa.
“If we start with a win over Nigeria, it will help the confidence qualifying for CAN 2019. I am very proud to have been chosen and to feel this confidence around me,” Madjer told Lagazette du Fennec.
The Algeria soccer legend who is in his third stint as coach of the team also hit back at critics of his appointment, insisting that he will answer them with results on the pitch.
“Yes, I am attacked by journalists, by people on social networks. But I can assure you that I feel a lot of confidence from a majority of the public. I see it when I go out on the street.
“But we know that I will be judged on the results. And so this match against Nigeria is very important.”
Ade Emmanuel
