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Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has turned his attention to Nigeria after his side booked a quarter-final meeting with the Super Eagles at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Footynaija.com reports.
Petkovic says his Desert Warriors will need to raise their level even higher against Nigeria as he describes the West Africans as genuine title contenders.
The Desert Foxes secured their place in the last eight with a narrow 1–0 win over DR Congo on Tuesday, setting up one of the standout ties of the tournament. Both Algeria and Nigeria arrive with perfect records, having won all four of their matches so far.
OFFICIAL:
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel 🇳🇬 (@OgaNlaMedia) January 6, 2026
Algeria vs Nigeria in the quarter-final at the Marrakesh Stadium on January 10th.
Bring it on, Eric Chelle is COOKING.
Expected opponent, what are your thoughts??? pic.twitter.com/AFD2cRyUNy
Algeria’s route to the quarter-finals has included victories over Equatorial Guinea, Burkina Faso, Sudan and now DR Congo.
Nigeria, meanwhile, came through the group stage against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before underlining their form with a 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.
Petkovic said the focus had already shifted to Saturday’s showdown.
“We will start thinking about the Nigeria match now, focusing on our strengths,” he said.
“I’m happy with these kinds of matches because they require us to work hard and play aggressively against title contenders.
“The issue of getting three or four days of rest is not important at this stage. Our focus is on preparing well mentally and physically for the next match.”
Algeria will also take confidence from history, having beaten Nigeria in the semi-finals of the 2019 tournament on their way to lifting the trophy.
