After the steam separation of boys from the men at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the heavyweights must now take each other on as Algeria and Nigeria go head-to-head in Saturday evening’s quarter-final at Marrakech Stadium.
Match preview
Though the North African country had a disappointing group-stage exit in the previous two AFCON editions, Algeria were tipped as one of the favourites to lift the trophy this time around, and the 2019 champions have left little to chance.
Algeria national team had breezed through the opening phase by winning all three matches, netting seven goals and conceding just once across victories over Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea to finish at the top of their group.
In the AFCON tournament, Algeria’s sternest test so far, was their round-of-16 clash with DR Congo but the Desert Warriors rose to the occasion, securing a 1-0 win in dramatic fashion after extra time as Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute strike proved decisive.
However, despite the momentum they’ve gathered so far, there will be a note of caution heading into Saturday’s clash, as Algeria have fallen at this very stage in four of their last six AFCON knockout appearances.
History has proven that progressing beyond the quarter-finals of AFCON has rarely been an issue for Nigeria, who have reached at least the semi-finals in 15 of their previous 20 AFCON participations, including the last edition, where they finished runners-up.
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Looking to make amends for the last AFCON trophy miss, and the recent disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — lifting the continental crown would go a long way for the Super Eagles, who have gone about that ambition in impressive fashion so far.
Statistically, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have won all four of their matches at this tournament, scoring a competition-high 12 goals and conceding four, though Nigeria’s round-of-16 victory over Mozambique marked their first clean sheet of the campaign.
Algeria Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Algeria form (all competitions):
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Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations form:
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Nigeria form (all competitions):
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Team News
The Desert foxes of Algeria are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Ismael Bennacer, who was forced off against DR Congo, leaving his availability in doubt.
And also considering the likes of Jaouen Hadjam, who missed the last two games after picking up an injury against Burkina Faso, could return, with the recent reports suggesting that he required around a week to recover, while Anis Hadj Moussa is likely to be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament due to fitness issues. while Riyad Mahrez is in contention for the Golden Boot, having netted three times — one fewer than Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.
Meanwhile, the Super Eagles’ Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen are also tied on three goals, while Alexander Iwobi will be tasked with providing creativity in midfield.
On the formation side, considering the fact that the Super Eagles appear to have a fully fit squad, it could mean that Eric Chelle is likely to retain his preferred 4-4-2 diamond and the lineup deployed against Mozambique and Tunisia.
Super Eagles no.1 Goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali could continue in goal, shielded by the likes of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Onyemaechi, with captain Wilfred Ndidi sitting at the base of midfield.
Algeria possible starting lineup:
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria possible starting lineup:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Our Predictions
Algeria 1-2 Nigeria
