Awoniyi assures Nigerians despite 2-2 draw with Algeria Team B

Super Eagles striker Taiwo Awoniyi has downplayed the importance of the unofficial friendly between the Nigerian national team and the home-based Algerian national team.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria faced Algeria's Team B on Friday night and played a 2-2 draw with in-form Everton midfielder Alex Iwobi and Cremonese striker Cyriel Dessers grabbing the goals.

Awoniyi played the first half of the encounter, leading the line alongside Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, but failed to find the back of the net against the Algerians.

In the aftermath of the match, Awoniyi noted that despite the draw, the team's objective for the match was met, which was getting to play together and understand each other better.

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

However, the Nottingham Forest striker acknowledged that it was 'unfortunate' that they could not win the match against the home-based Algerian players.

As reported by Footballlive, Awoniyi said: "It was a good game, unfortunately, we didn’t win the game, I think it’s a game that helps us to get going, to know each other and to understand each other way of play and I think this is what the game is for,” Awoniyi said.

The former Union Berlin star also commented on his inability to score against the Algerians when he started, stating that a striker's job is not only to score but to also play his teammates into scoring positions.

Though, Awoniyi stressed that he would like to score more goals and also help his teammates overall.

"Every striker wants to score a goal, but in a striking role your job also is to bring your player into play, to bring your player into a position to score a goal," Awoniyi explained.

“But of course, I want to score. Like I said your job as a striker is to score, to help your teammates.”

The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face off with the first-choice Desert Foxes of Algeria on Tuesday, September 27 in a FIFA-recognised international friendly.