Nigeria’s Super Eagles will take on Algeria in a mouth-watering quarter-final clash of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday, with both teams battling for a place in the semi-finals.
The match will be played at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco, with kick-off set for 5:00 pm Nigerian time.
Both sides arrive at this stage unbeaten, making the encounter a high-stakes contest between Nigeria’s free-scoring attack and Algeria’s rock-solid defence.
The Super Eagles have been one of the standout teams of the tournament so far. They topped their group with maximum points after victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2) and Uganda (3-1). Nigeria then produced a dominant display in the round of 16, thrashing Mozambique 4-0 to record their first clean sheet of the competition.
With 12 goals scored in four matches, Nigeria boast the most potent attack in the tournament. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have each found the net three times, while Akor Adams and other attackers have also chipped in. However, the Eagles have conceded four goals, an area that could be tested by Algeria.
Algeria have been equally impressive, especially at the back. The Desert Foxes cruised through the group stage before edging past DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in the round of 16, thanks to a dramatic 119th-minute goal by substitute Adil Boulbina. They have conceded just one goal in four matches, making them the tournament’s tightest defence. Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has played a key role, registering several clean sheets, while captain Riyad Mahrez leads an attack that has scored eight goals so far.
Historically, the rivalry between both teams has been closely contested. In 22 previous meetings, Algeria have won 10 times, Nigeria nine, with three draws. Algeria have also won the last three AFCON encounters between the sides, including a 2-1 victory in the 2019 semi-final on their way to lifting the trophy.
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Nigeria, however, can draw confidence from their strong AFCON pedigree, having reached at least the semi-finals in 15 of their last 20 appearances at the tournament.
Algeria may be without midfielder Ismaël Bennacer, who is a fitness doubt, while Anis Hadj-Moussa is suspended. Nigeria, on the other hand, are expected to field a full-strength squad with no major injury concerns.
The winner of Saturday’s clash will face host nation Morocco in the semi-final on January 14 in Rabat, after Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final on Friday.
With a place in the last four on the line, Saturday’s encounter promises a thrilling battle between attacking firepower and defensive resilience.
