…As Leeken resigns
Nigeria’s foes in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Algeria, has advertised the position of their coach, Georges Leekens who resigned after Africa Cup of Nations flop.
Leekens has stepped down as Algeria boss following a disappointing outing in Gabon.The coach failed to qualify for the knockout phase of the.
A 2-2 draw with Senegal on Monday saw Algeria out on a qualification spot in Group B, despite having been the top seeds in the pool.
Leekens had suggested after that match that he was keen to stay in charge to continue their qualifying campaign for the 2018 World Cup, but it was confirmed on Tuesday that the Belgian had agreed to step aside.
“Given the pressure exerted on the federation and the national team, I’ve opted to end my contract out of friendship with the FAF [Algerian Football Federation], who deserve respect,” Leekens said in a statement.
“For the benefit of everyone, I prefer to take my leave, even if I do so with an aching heart, and I wish everyone in the national team all the success in the world.”
Algeria had been one of the favourites to challenge for the trophy in Gabon, but were surprisingly held to a draw by Zimbabwe in their opening game.
A defeat to neighbours Tunisia and the subsequent draw with group winners Senegal sealed their fate and ultimately that of their coach.
