The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached the quarter-final stage, with a standout clash between Nigeria and Algeria set to decide one of the semi-final spots, Footynaija.com reports.
Nigeria have emerged as one of the standout teams at this tournament. The Super Eagles cruised through Group C with three consecutive wins, netting eight goals against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda. Their attack remained relentless in the round of 16, where they ripped Mozambique apart 4-0, taking their tournament total to 12 goals.
The Desert Foxes also swept through the group stage with three wins; a 3–0 victory over Sudan, a narrow 1–0 result against Burkina Faso, and a 3–1 win against Equatorial Guinea. In the Round of 16, they edged DR Congo 1–0 after extra time.
Related Post
Across those matches, Algeria have shown discipline, patience, and a knack for protecting leads. They’ve conceded just once in regular time, building their run on structure, control, and smart game management.
Within that structure, three players stand out as the biggest threats to Nigeria.
1. Riyad Mahrez
Mahrez remains the face of this Algerian side. At 34, the captain is still their main attacking reference, their chief creator, and their most reliable finisher from dead-ball situations.
In this tournament, he has already scored three goals, including a brace in the opening 3–0 win over Sudan and the decisive penalty against Burkina Faso. Those strikes took him further clear as Algeria’s all-time leading scorer at the Africa Cup of Nations, a record built over several editions.
His stoppage-time free kick in the 2019 semi-final still haunts many Super Eagles fans, and now, once again, he stands in their way.
Riyad Mahrez drifts freely across the frontline, typically starting out wide before cutting inside to dictate play. His close control helps him through tight spaces, and his left foot is always a threat from range. For Nigeria’s full-backs, the dilemma will be whether to close him down early or maintain shape.
The former Manchester City winger can also be dangerous with his timing. He picks his moments carefully, waiting for defenders to overcommit before threading passes into runners or drawing fouls in dangerous areas. If the match becomes tight, he’s the kind of player who can settle things with just one moment of quality.
2. Luca Zidane
Algeria’s defensive run at this AFCON has been built on the performances of Luca Zidane in goal.
Every time Algeria have kept a clean sheet at this tournament, he has been between the posts. The son of the popular Real Madrid legend, who has chosen to carve out his own career away from his father’s shadow, started in the 3–0 win over Sudan, the 1–0 victory against Burkina Faso, and the 1–0 extra-time success over DR Congo.
The only match Algeria conceded in, the 3–1 group win over Equatorial Guinea, saw Anthony Mandrea start instead.
Zidane commands his area well, claims crosses, and shows no panic when pressed. His distribution has also helped Algeria break lines quickly, launching attacks from deep when opponents commit men forward. If he continues at this level, the Super Eagles will need clear chances rather than hopeful efforts.
3. Ibrahim Maza
At 20, Ibrahim Maza has emerged as one of the tournament’s breakout attackers.
He announced himself with a goal in the 3–0 win over Sudan, then followed it up with another strike against Equatorial Guinea. Those finishes showed two sides of his game: good movement in the box and calm execution when space opens.
Maza is direct, quick, and comfortable running at defenders. He does not require many touches to make an impact. He looks to attack the space behind the back line, especially when Mahrez draws attention on the opposite side.
Nigeria’s centre-backs like to step high and compress space. That approach can leave gaps, and Maza thrives on those channels. If he times his runs well, he can turn one pass into a clear chance.
