The Super Eagles will aim to book a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they face long-time rivals Algeria in Saturday’s quarter-final showdown at the Marrakech Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side arrive in confident mood after a commanding round of 16 performance, but standing in their way are an Algerian team carrying both momentum and history into what promises to be one of the tournament’s most finely poised contests.
Both nations have been among the standout performers in Morocco, emerging as the only two teams to win all four of their matches so far. This sets the stage for a heavyweight clash between two of the tournament’s best sides.
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Recent form
Nigeria stormed through Group C with maximum points after victories over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before reinforcing their title credentials with a ruthless 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the Round of 16.
The Super Eagles have combined attacking fluency with growing control in midfield, establishing themselves as one of the most dangerous sides left in the competition.
Algeria’s run to the last eight has been equally impressive. The Desert Warriors topped their group after dispatching Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, before edging past DR Congo in dramatic fashion, with a last-gasp extra-time winner sealing a 1-0 round of 16 win.
History and head-to-head
The history of this mouth-watering clash slightly favours the Algerians. From 22 previous meetings, the Fennec Foxes have claimed 10 wins to Nigeria’s nine, with three draws separating the two sides.
More significantly, Algeria have won each of the last four encounters across all competitions, giving them a psychological edge heading into Saturday’s clash.
While Nigeria boast greater AFCON success overall, with three titles compared to Algeria’s two, recent meetings suggest this rivalry remains finely balanced.
Team news
Nigeria head into the quarter-final with no fresh injury concerns, and Chelle is expected to stick with the same 4-3-3 system that saw the Super Eagles utterly dominate Mozambique in the last round.
Stanley Nwabali should continue in goal behind a back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi. Captain Wilfred Ndidi will anchor midfield, with Frank Onyeka and Alexander Iwobi providing energy and creativity.
Up front, Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, joint top scorers for Nigeria with three goals each, remain the primary attacking threats, supported by Akor Adams.
Algeria, however, face a late fitness decision over Ismael Bennacer after the midfielder was forced off against DR Congo. Jaouen Hadjam could return after missing the last two matches, while Anis Hadj Moussa is expected to remain sidelined.
Match-winner Boulbina is pushing for a starting role following his decisive contribution in the previous round.
Tactical preview
Nigeria’s approach is likely to revolve around quick transitions and aggressive wide play, using Lookman’s movement and Osimhen’s presence to stretch Algeria’s defensive shape.
Algeria, by contrast, have built their run on organisation and resilience, boasting one of the tightest defences in the competition and showing patience in possession.
The midfield battle, particularly around Ndidi and Bennacer (if he can make the starting xi), could prove decisive in determining the tempo of the contest.
What to expect
This encounter pits the tournament’s most potent attack against one of its most disciplined defensive units, making for a compelling tactical duel.
Chances are expected at both ends, but Nigeria’s attacking depth and momentum in the final third may ultimately tip the balance.
With margins likely to be slim, the Super Eagles will fancy their chances of edging a narrow victory and taking another step towards continental glory.
Match details
Fixture: Nigeria vs Algeria
Venue: Marrakech Stadium
Date: Saturday, January 10
Kick-off: 5:00 PM WAT
Competition: 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Quarter-finals
