Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel has played down concerns over Algeria’s defensive solidity ahead of Nigeria’s quarterfinal showdown against the Desert Foxes on Saturday.

Nigeria heads into the encounter in fine attacking form, having scored 12 goals in four matches, while Algeria have conceded just once on their way to the last eight. 

Despite the contrast, the Birmingham City full-back insists the Super Eagles are well equipped to break down the North Africans.

"You are coming against the best strike force in Africa in my opinion, so we will try and get the job done," he told reporters in Morocco.

The defender acknowledged the expectations of Nigerian fans and assured them the team is fully aware of what is at stake.

"We take each game as they come. We know what's at stake, we know Nigerians want us to win this game, and we will do all we can do to win," he added. 

Osayi-Samuel also stressed the importance of settling the contest within regulation time, noting that the team’s objective is to avoid penalties or even extra time.

"I think the aim is to make sure we don't get there first, to try and win before penalties, even before extra times," he noted. 

"Because if you see the way we started games, we start well and you want to do that against Algeria." 

While confident, Osayi-Samuel lauded the opponent, describing Algeria as a disciplined and technically sound side.

"Great team, very good team. Like he said, they haven't conceded, I watched the last game, they are very technical players," he noted. 

"Like I said, it would be a game where two great teams are playing, so it will be good football, but I think we would come back with the win."

Nigeria will face Algeria in the quarterfinal clash on Saturday at the Marrakesh Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 5 p.m.

Adeyemi Adewale