The boys don separate from the men for 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and the heavyweights go clash as Algeria take on Nigeria for Saturday evening quarter-final at Marrakech Stadium.
All the remaining teams na the eight highest-ranked sides in Africa according to FIFA World Rankings. Algeria dey 34th globally and third in Africa, while Nigeria dey 38th and fifth.
Match Preview
Even though Algeria disappoint for group stage in the last two AFCON editions, people dey tip them as one of the favourites to lift the trophy this time. The 2019 champions no leave anything to chance. Vladimir Petkovic side win all three group matches, scoring seven goals and conceding only one against Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea, finishing top of their group.
Round-of-16 match against DR Congo na their toughest test so far, but Algeria rise to occasion, winning 1-0 after extra time with Adil Boulbina strike for 119th minute. This strong run don help them secure 11 wins from last 14 matches across all competitions. The only loss for that stretch na via penalty shootout against UAE for FIFA Arab Cup.
Still, caution dey for Algeria camp as dem don fall at quarter-final stage in four of their last six AFCON knockout appearances.
Nigeria dey consistent when e reach quarter-finals, reaching semi-finals in 15 of 20 previous AFCON participations, including last edition where dem finish runners-up. Eric Chelle side don win all four matches this tournament, scoring highest with 12 goals and conceding four. Round-of-16 win over Mozambique mark their first clean sheet for competition. Super Eagles run that match well, scoring four goals through Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.
However, slight tension follow the match due to on-field fracas involving Osimhen, Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi, but team don put matter behind dem ahead of big clash against Algeria. Nigeria dey winless in last four games against Algeria, losing the last three including 2-1 defeat for 2019 AFCON semi-finals, with other two losses for friendlies in 2020 and 2022.
Algeria Africa Cup of Nations Form
W W W – Group & Round-of-16 Wins
Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations Form
W W W W – Group & Round-of-16 Wins
Team News
Algeria dey worry over midfielder Ismael Bennacer wey go off against DR Congo, so him fit miss this game. Jaouen Hadjam fit return after injury against Burkina Faso, while Anis Hadj Moussa likely dey out for rest of tournament. Boulbina dey push for start after him last-minute winner, while Riyad Mahrez still dey chase Golden Boot, with three goals – one behind Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.
Nigeria squad appear fully fit. Lookman and Osimhen tied on three goals each. Alexander Iwobi go provide midfield creativity. Chelle fit stick to 4-4-2 diamond formation wey dem use against Mozambique and Tunisia. Stanley Nwabali go start for goal, shielded by Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Onyemaechi. Wilfred Ndidi dey base of midfield, Frank Onyeka dey right side, with Lookman supporting front two of Osimhen and Adams.
Algeria Possible Starting Lineup
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria Possible Starting Lineup
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Prediction
We say: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
This one na tight contest between the only two sides wey don win all four matches so far, pitting tournament’s tightest defence against its most potent attack. But Nigeria attacking firepower fit decide matter. We dey back Super Eagles to win narrowly.
