Nigeria and Algeria will clash in the second semi-final match of the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday and this contest is finely poised given the teams’ rivalry and their forms this competition.
Algeria have been by far the most effective and organized side – through the first round – making Djamel Belmadi’s side favorites against Nigeria and in Egypt.
On their part, Nigeria’s campaign at the AFCON was given a new lease in the quarter-final against Cameroon and the Eagles have been on the rise since.
So far, both Coaches have maintained their respective teams can go all the way, but here is our combined XI of the biggest performers heading into Sunday’s semi-final.
In a 4-3-3 formation this is our combo, based on ratings provided by whoscored.com :
GK – Rais M’bolhi 6.94
RB – Youcef Atal 7.66
CB – Djamel Benlamri 7.27
CB – Kenneth Omeruo 7.65
LB – Ola Aina 7.26
AM – Adam Ounas 7.83
CM – Ismael Bennacer 7.20
CM – Oghenekaro Etebo 7.19
LW – Youcef Belaili 7.73
RW – Riyad Mahrez 7.34
ST – Islam Slimani 7.60