Algeria Team B is more difficult than the first team - Super Eagles official explains 2-2 draw

Super Eagles team coordinator Patrick Pascal has leapt to the defence of the Super Eagles after they failed to defeat the home-based Algerian national team last weekend.

The Nigerian national team took on the Desert Foxes of Algeria's B Team in an unofficial friendly on Friday, September 23, a match which ended in a 2-2 draw.

Second-half goals from Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi and Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers cancelled out Algeria's 1-0 lead at half-time but the Super Eagles conceded a late penalty that saw them settle for a draw.

With many fans criticising the Super Eagles for the result, Pascal weighed in stating that the home-based Algerian sides were quality players and no pushovers.

Video: Watch Maduka Okoye make costly error in Super Eagles 2-2 draw against home-based Algeria side

Watch Super Eagles of Nigeria struggle to 2-2 draw against home-based Algeria side

Photos: Iwobi reacts as the Super Eagles play a draw against Algeria B team

Pascal told Footballlive that the Algerian Team B consisted of players who play week-in and week-out, plying their trade with clubs who were doing well in the continental competitions, and playing in properly organised leagues.

According to Pascal: "The CHAN teams can be more difficult than the main national teams sometimes, because most of the players have been very active this season playing continental football for their respective clubs. So, it is wrong to think they are push overs."

However, the Super Eagles coordinator told Nigerians to expect a better performance when the national team face the Algerian first-choice team in another friendly on Tuesday.

Pascal noted that the Algerian first-choice team is markedly different from their home-based team, thus it would be a different game altogether.

"The CHAN Algeria team players all play in good clubs, that compete well on the continent and that’s aside having a well run league in their country," Pascal explained.

"What’s certain is that the Super Eagles match against the main team on Tuesday will be much different."

The Super Eagles will battle the Desert Foxes of Algeria on Tuesday, September 27 in Oran, Algeria at 8 pm Nigerian time.