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As the curtain draws on the WAFCON 2024 group stage, Nigeria’s Super Falcons find themselves at a familiar crossroad: already through to the quarterfinals, but now looking to finish the job in style.
Standing in their way? An inspired Algerian team hoping to rewrite history and spring one of the tournament’s surprises.
While Nigeria have bossed their group with two wins, Algeria remain unbeaten too, setting up a compelling showdown in Rabat.
Ahead of this decisive encounter, here are 12 essential things you need to know before Nigeria lock horns with Algeria in Friday night’s headline Group B fixture.
1. Nigeria already through but first place still matters
The Super Falcons have collected six points from their first two matches, securing qualification for the quarterfinals. However, topping the group could mean avoiding a relatively much tougher opponent in the knockout round, a reward worth fighting for.
2. Algeria are undefeated too
The North Africans have been solid, earning a 1-0 win over Botswana and holding Tunisia to a 0-0 draw. They are yet to concede and are full of belief after making this their best WAFCON start ever.
HIGHLIGHTS: 0-0
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 11, 2025
End-to-end action but neither side could break the deadlock. A point each in a tactical battle. #TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 pic.twitter.com/2VwjRspIkN
3. A win could see Algeria top Group B
Yes, Algeria can leapfrog Nigeria if they claim victory. That would be a massive statement from a side that’s never advanced beyond the group stage in five previous attempts.
4. Algeria and Nigeria’s perfect defensive record under threat
Both teams are yet to concede at WAFCON 2024. Something has to give. Will it be Nigeria’s watertight backline, or Algeria’s growing resilience?
5. The history book is entirely green and white
Nigeria have met and beaten Algeria in both WAFCON meetings: 4-0 in 2004 and 6-0 in 2006. The Super Falcons went on to win the tournament on both occasions.
6. Nigeria also dominated recent friendlies
In October 2024, Nigeria hosted Algeria in Lagos for two friendlies and won both convincingly: 2-0 and 4-1. Rising star Folashade Ijamilusi grabbed a hat-trick in the second match.
7. Squad rotation expected from Nigeria
Coach Justin Madugu is likely to rest big names like Asisat Oshoala, giving minutes to fringe players like Folashade Ijamilusi, Chinwendu Ihezuo, Esther Okoronkwo, and Jennifer Echegini.
8. Chinwendu Ihezuo deserves a start
The forward has been Nigeria’s supersub so far, scoring late goals in the games against Tunisia and Botswana. Now she’s in line for a deserved starting berth up front.
Well-worked and well-finished.
— CAF Women’s Football (@CAFwomen) July 12, 2025
The Super Falcons Moving with winning in sight.#TotalEnergiesWAFCON2024 | @AGLgroup_ pic.twitter.com/L1ktYgPzMo
9. Algeria are already in uncharted territory
With four points from two games, Algeria have already exceeded their usual WAFCON group-stage tally. A draw could seal a historic quarterfinal place.
10. Deborah Abiodun suspended
The combative midfielder will miss this clash after picking up two yellow cards. Nigeria will need to reshuffle their midfield dynamics accordingly.
11. Venue and kick-off details
The game takes place at Larbi Zaouli Stadium in Casablanca, with kick-off set for 8:00 PM Nigerian time on Sunday, July 13.
12. The prediction
While Nigeria are clear favourites, expect a tighter game than the history books suggest. Algeria are better organised, more confident, and motivated by history. But Nigeria’s depth and experience should just about carry them over the line.
