After third place victories in 1976, 1978, 2002, 2004 and 2006, the Super Eagles just recovering from the shocking semi-final defeat in the hands of the Black Stars of Ghana proved to be the hungrier of the two sides.
For yesterday’s match, heavily criticized Super Eagles coach Shaibu Amodu rested some of the players as he started the match with team captain Kanu Nwankwo, Seyi Olofinjana, and Chidi Odia.
Eagles who dominated yesterday’s encounter could not find their opponents net until Striker Victor Obinna scored in the 56th minute through a solo effort.
The goal was indeed a reward for Eagles ceaseless bombardment of their opponents’ goal area which saw the eventual goal scorer hitting the cross bar from a close range after a Taiye Taiwo’s ferocious free kick was poorly cleared by Algerian goalkeeper Zemmamouche.
Both teams lacked spark in the early stages before the goal scorer created Nigeria’s first chance in the 10th minute with a right-foot shot that was cleared by defender Slimane Raho.
Nigeria gradually took a grip on the match and Kanu unleashed a left-foot drive that was easily blocked by goalkeeper Mohamed Zemmamouche in the 31st minute, moments before Obinna tried his luck from long range but missed the target.
Algeria midfielder Mourad Meghni had a good chance in the 44th minute but his half-volley from Madjid Bougherra’s cross went over the bar.
Algeria striker Abdelkader Ghezzal went close to scoring an equalizer in the 77th minute when he latched onto Raho’s deflected cross in the box but his attempt flew wide.
Although the Desert Foxes turned the pressure on Super Eagles, the defenders threw in everything to contain the rampaging Algerians in order to come home with the bronze medal.
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