Quest for Championship Ends for Nigeria

Cairo, EGYPT -- Nigeria's quest for a championship crumbled today in Cairo, Egypt as the Super Eagles lost 1-2 to Algeria. Now, Nigeria is left to vie for third-place in the 2019 AFCON against the Tunisians who also lost in the other semi-final. Nigeria was outplayed in this game and the deciding goal deep into injury time reflected much of the play.

Nigeria was, again, dominated in terms of ball possession but this time the opponent repeatedly had opportunities which they could not put away. At least on two separate occasions, before the half hour mark, Nigeria was lucky to keep the game at 0-0. Eventually, the ball found its way into Nigeria's net. It came in the 39th minute. Collins had been beaten badly by Mahrez on the right but it appeared that the Nigerian defense was in position to defend Mahrez's cross. Instead, William Ekong deflected the cross beyond his own goalkeeper and into the net. 

Nigeria looked revived in the second half with Alex Iwobi becoming lively. Then in the 66th minute, a vicious Etebo shot from outside the box hit Algeria's Mandi on the arm but the referee waived it off in spite of appeals for penalty by the Super Eagles. Seconds later, the VAR officials communicated with the referee who reviewed the video and awarded the penalty that Ighalo converted to tie the game. 

But Algeria showed its strength pinning Nigeria down in one half and saw two close opportunities missed. First, Feghouli shot too high from inside the box and then Algeria saw a powerful shot come off the bar. Clearly, Nigeria was living dangerously. With 4 minutes of injury time about to expire, Ndidi fouled just outside the box. Mahrez stepped up to curve a shot superbly around the wall and beyond Akpeyi's dive to decide the game.

In the end, Gernot Rohr's decision to hold on to his substitution opportunities will be questioned. Perhaps, he should have brought in options in attack? Was he holding on to the subs in order to take advantage of their freshness in a plausible over time period? What exactly was he thinking?

Here is the rating:

Daniel Akpeyi (16) -- 6.1 -- Akpeyi seemed uncomfortable early and missed a simple cross and then punched a cross into the danger. However, he superbly saved from a break away to save a certain opening goal.

Chidozie Awaziem (20) -- 6.0 -- Today was a not his best day but the reality is that it was not for the Nigerian defenders.

Jamilu Collins (3) -- 6.2 -- Jamilu had an average day but a quick move made by Mahrez on him led to the opening goal.

William Ekong (5) -- 6.0 -- Felt the high medium pressure put up by the Algerians that made it difficult for annoy smooth play through the midfield. He then conceded an own goal.

Kenneth Omeruo (22) -- 6.1 -- Omeruo blew hot and cold today. He made a last minute clearance to squash an early opportunity that fell to the Algerians but minutes later his miss kick of a dangerous ball let Algeria through to force goalkeeper Akpeyi to an early save.

Oghenekaro Etebo (8) -- 6.3 -- Etebo did a lot of work again with energy and ball recovery. However, he and his colleagues had a difficult time playing through the midfield. It was his goal attempt that led to the penalty award.

Wilfred Ndidi (4) -- 6.2 -- See comments on Etebo above.  The midfield problem was universal and it was Ndidi's late foul in a dangerous spot that eventually sealed Nigeria's fate.

Alex Iwobi (18) -- 6.3 -- Iwobi was, like his colleagues, having monumental difficulties in the opening half. However, he spearheaded the recovery early in the second half with several important runs at the Algerian defense.

Samuel Chukwueze (13) -- 6.1 -- Samu was anonymous most of the first half but appeared to get into his game at the beginning of the second half. It was a surprise when he was subbed considering that he had improved at that point.

Jude Ighalo (9) -- 6.2 -- Ighalo's effort was much better than in the previous game but the service today was quite poor.

Ahmed Musa (cpt -- 7) -- 6.2 -- Musa, for some reason, made several questionable decisions in this game in spite of the fact that he looked sharp early in the game.

Subs

Henry Onyekuru (11) -- 6.0 -- Henry did not see much action but did not have the magic cleats when presented with an opportunity in the box.