Riyad Mahrez was honest in his assessment of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal tie between Algeria and Nigeria in which the North Africans earned a narrow 2-1 win thanks to a sublime free-kick curled in by the Manchester City star from just outside the box in the last minute of stoppage time.
With extra time looming, the tricky Algeria winger believed that the Super Eagles would have won the game because they were the fitter of the two sides.
Speaking to ESPN journalist Colin Udoh via Instagram, Ndidi stated : "I don't want to think about it. Riyad was honest, he said they were tired and if we had gone into extra time the game would have gone in our favour because we are strong.
"Riyad is one player I respect, he's not strong, you can hardly get the ball from Riyad, he is very tricky."
Ndidi was acquired by Leicester City from Racing Genk in January 2017 as a replacement for N'Gole Kante who joined Chelsea few months earlier and the Nigerian has claimed that he has not spoken to the French World Cup winner since his arrival at the King Power Stadium.
"I don't know him (Kante). When I came he was not here so it's not something for me to do. If you talk about Riyad, yes."
With the exception of the 2-0 to defeat to Madagascar in the group stage, Ndidi went the distance in all the matches played by the Super Eagles at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Egypt last summer.
Ifeanyi Emmanuel
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