The Super Eagles will aim to continue their impressive run at AFCON 2025 when they face Algeria in Saturday’s quarter-final clash at the Marrakech Stadium, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle heads into the game with a fully fit squad, but there are still some key decisions to make as Nigeria prepare to take on a Desert Warriors side that has dominated recent head-to-head meetings.
Team news
The Super Eagles head into this high-stakes encounter with no fresh injury concerns and are expected to stick with the 4-3-3 formation that served them so well against Mozambique and Tunisia.
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Stanley Nwabali should continue in goal, shielded by a back four of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi. Wilfred Ndidi will sit at the base of midfield, with Frank Onyeka and Alexander Iwobi providing energy and creativity.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, who were involved in a heated clash on the pitch during Nigeria’s round of 16 victory over Mozambique, are expected to lead the attack together. Reports suggesting Osimhen might have withdrawn from the tournament have since been put to rest, with both forwards ready to fire for Chelle’s side. Akor Adams completes the front three.
Algeria, meanwhile, are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Ismael Bennacer after he was forced off against DR Congo, while Jaouen Hadjam could return from a recent injury. Anis Hadj Moussa remains sidelined, though forward Boulbina is pushing for a starting role following his decisive strike in the previous round.
Selection dilemmas
Chelle appears to have found his best group of eleven players for that 4-3-3 formation so we expect his selection process to be slightly straight-forward for the clash. Having Ndidi, Iwobi and Onyeka in the middle of the park has worked magic for the Super Eagles and they’ll be eager to maintain that momentum.
Meanwhile, Algeria’s coach must decide whether to risk Bennacer’s participation and how to integrate Hadjam without disrupting team balance. Their defensive quartet of Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, and Ait Nouri is likely to retain its shape, while Riyad Mahrez and Amoura provide creativity on the wings.
Predicted XIs
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Adams
Algeria:
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
