Former Super Eagles midfielder Sam Elijah has expressed strong confidence in Nigeria’s defensive setup ahead of their quarterfinal clash against Algeria, backing Fulham defender Calvin Bassey to neutralize Algerian dangerman Riyad Mahrez.

Elijah dismissed concerns about Mahrez’s threat, insisting the Super Eagles have the quality and structure to keep the former Manchester City winger quiet.

"I tell you to forget it. Bassey is there for him. He has nowhere to go. Bassey is enough for Mahrez and Ajayi is there to complement," Elijah told allnigeriasoccer.com.

"So our defense is solid. There's no room for him at all."

Elijah added that Nigeria’s strength across all departments gives him confidence that the team will deliver when it matters most.

"And I tell you at this stage the Super Eagles will not disappoint at every unit."

However, the former international cautioned against complacency, stressing the importance of tactical discipline against a well-organized Algerian side.

"I believe this though but we need to be on our toes, we need to be careful, how we attack and defend," he warned. "We have to be tactical. There is no room for fear. We have a solid defense."

Reflecting on Nigeria’s progression in the tournament, Elijah noted a clear improvement in cohesion and mentality, particularly after the match against Mozambique.

"When we started our game, you can see we started shabby, there is no cohesion, unity, buildup and all that."

"But now, you can see with our game against Mozambique, you can see the fire in the boys, the never say die attitude in the Super Eagles players, commitment was there from the goalkeeper, to the defense, midfield, and attack."

He praised the team’s collective approach, highlighting improvements in midfield play, especially from Alex Iwobi.

"We attack as a unit, we defend as a unit. Our midfield is trying to improve especially players like Iwobi," he said. 

Elijah also pointed out that Nigeria’s forwards are beginning to find their rhythm.

"You can see that he improved his game and we can see the passes and what is lacking before," he revealed. "You see in our last game that the strikers are not struggling anymore."

Despite acknowledging Algeria’s past success against Nigeria in the Africa Cup of Nations and their tactical strength, Elijah believes the Super Eagles are ready for revenge. 

"Our match against Algeria, yes they eliminated us before in the Nations Cup but now the Super Eagles are very ready."

"We are going to take the day. I believe we are going to win that match. It is not going to be an easy match , it is going to be a very tactical match because the Algeria is highly tactical but with the present spirit and commitment from the boys, I believe we are going to crush Algeria."

On the debate over Nigeria’s most important player among Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman, and Victor Osimhen, Elijah emphasized teamwork over individual brilliance.

"Football is a team work. Honestly speaking, these players Iwobi, Ademola, and Osimhen are very important players, and they have different roles they are playing," he said. "Each one of them is very important. They are our best players." 

He also addressed recent confrontation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman , urging the striker to remain humble.

"That's why I said the other time they were telling me about Osimhen misbehaving, Osimhen is not our best player, he is one of our best players," he said. 

"So he should not see himself as the team god. He should behave himself. He should calm down. He is not a coach, he is the player, he has no right to challenge any player. He can motivate."

"He is our highest goalscorer but he cannot score alone. The goal that he scored, the pass came from Iwobi to Lookman, to Osimhen, and he scored."

"So the three of them are very important players. For me, all of them are very important. I think they are our best players."

Nigeria will take on Algeria on Saturday at the Marrakesh Stadium, aiming to secure a positive result and book a place in the final four of the AFCON tournament.

Adeyemi Adewale