A Ramy Bensebaini strike was all African champions, Algeria, needed to ease past their eternal rivals Nigeria in Austria on Friday.
The Borussia Monchengladbach defender struck in the sixth minute of the energy sapping encounter.
Super Eagles manager, Gernot Rohr, opted for the duo of Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi in the heart of the former African champions midfield, with the combined efforts of debutants Frank Onyeka and Zaidu Sanusi, while Paul Onuachu and Samuel Kalu led the Nigerian side attack.
Spartak Rotterdam of Holland goalkeeper, Maduka Okoye, who was in goal for Nigeria, was provided cover by stand-in skipper William Troost-Ekong, Leon Balogun, Tyronne Ebuehi and Semilogo Ajayi.
Nigeria’s attempt at drawing level were thwarted by the North Africans for the entire 90 minutes.
The three-time African champions will now switch their attention to the clash against another Northern African opponents, Tunisia, on Tuesday as they hope for revival.
The tie is also slated to kick off at 7:30pm.
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