Algeria beat Nigeria 1-0 to win the Africa Cup of Nations for the first time in 1990 in Algiers.

According to CEOAFRICA’s source, Nigerian tribune, the Fennecs beat the Eagles on 4-1 goals aggregate to appear at their maiden World Cup at Espana 82. The Eagles beat Algeria 5-2 on aggregate  1-1 to fly to their maiden World Cup appearance at USA’ 94 World Cup.

Such is the ding dong battle between the two countries but on Saturday, players on both countries will strive to write the better history in favour of their respective countries. Both countries will meet in a 2018 World Cup qualifer in Uyo on Saturday.

ISLAM SLIMANI- Powerful, experienced and prolific. Slimani is the arrowhead of Algeria’s attack and Nigerian defenders will be on edge as they keep the rampaging Leicester City forward at bay. He has 45 goals in 23 appearances for the Fennecs and is one of those who believe they can come out of Uyo stadium smiling.

EL ARABI SOUDANI- An Algerian strike-force but not in the least less dangerous. In fact on statistics, he is the most lethal of the Algerian invaders having scored 21 times in 45 caps. He scored Algeria’s solitary goal in the 1-1 draw against Cameroon in Day 1 of the qualifiers.

FAOUZI GHOULAN- Nigeria’s most lethal weapon is attack sharpened from wing play. The Eagles technical crew will do well to divert attention to Ghoulan to peg the left back to his defensive duties. The FC Napoli of Italy defender has a sharp eye for goal having netted five goals in 35 games for the Fennecs.

RAIS M’BOLHI: The heavily-beaded goalkeeper is a consistent performer since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Rais, with 48 caps, is a brave shot-stopper who will be on firing line.

RIYAD MAHREZ- The only surviving African on the shortlist for the World Best Footballer award needs an avenue like Saturday’s to prove his class. Mahrez is very well-known worldwide as the player who was voted the best player of the 2015/2016 English Premier League season. Mahrez is almost always predictable but lightening-fast. His left foot is adept at burying the ball in goalkeeper’s blind spot.

DANIEL AKPEYI: Called in as a direct replacement for injured first choice goalie, Carl Ikeme, Akpeyi has his work cut out. He did fairly well the other time he played the same role in an African Nations Cup qualifier against Egypt. An impressive outing will make a good case for Akpeyi as a reliable choice when the chips are down.

MIKEL OBI-He is the most rustic of the players on parade today but also the most experienced of both squads. Mikel played his first international game for Nigeria in 2006 and ten years after, he is still relevant in a multi-talented Nigerian setting. He is to prove that club football is different from international setting.

VICTOR MOSES: The most-hyped of the Nigerian players thanks to a fantastic run with Chelsea of England. Moses is notorious for being selective of games he plays for the Eagles, so his performance will be on scrutiny of most Nigerian fans.

LEON BALOGUN: A lot was said of his absence of the defender in the 2-1 win over Zambia where sloppy defending almost cost the Eagles the match. His return is expected to restore confidence and stability but then his fitness remains subject of concern as he just featured in final moments of recent games after his return from injury.

KELECHI IHEANACHO- He is the darling of Nigerians  after scoring crucial goals in the Super Eagles’ last two international matches against Tanzania and Zambia respectively. Iheanacho’s career is still developing and a successful outing will mark him as a genuine talent who has what it takes to deliver on a big stage.