Today’s performance from Victor Moses in Nigeria’s 3-1 win over Algeria should put to rest any bit of consternation surrounding his commitment (or lack thereof) to the national team left over from the last international break.
The Chelsea wing-back, deployed in his more traditional winger role alongside Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi and Manchester City’s Kelechi Iheanacho in attack, took advantage of being a bit closer to goal by scoring twice and winning Twitter’s consensus for Man of the Match. From the first minute to the last (check out his almost successful attempt to replicate Hazard’s second goal against Everton in the 7th minute!), Moses was full of running, drive, and determination — continuing his great form for Chelsea for the Super Eagles.
There were strong performances from others as well, including 21-year-old midfield dynamo Oghenekaro Etebo, whom we might remember from this summer’s Olympics, and of course captain Mikel John Obi, who also managed to score thanks to some hilarious defending from the visitors. Not even Mikel believed that he was onside, but he definitely was.
Chelsea loanee Kenneth Omeruo played as well, getting just over an hour at right back, which is not his best position. Algeria were perhaps unlucky to not score more than just the one goal, but with both defenses capable of conceding at any moment, their finishing lacked the cutting edge of Nigeria’s.
After a couple years of mixed results and upheaval at the football federation, which saw them fail to qualify for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeria seem to have righted the ship and are looking good at the moment to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. It’s a long way to go still of course, but they already have a four-point lead at the top of the qualifying group after just two games.
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