The Super Eagles of Nigeria will face North African heavyweights Algeria in a highly anticipated quarter-final encounter at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with both teams battling for a place in the last four of the continent’s biggest football showpiece.
Nigeria head into the clash buoyed by an impressive run that has reignited belief among players and fans alike, following the heartbreak of the previous edition where they lost the final to hosts Ivory Coast. Under the guidance of head coach Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles have recorded three wins from three group matches and followed it up with a convincing last-16 victory over Mozambique, showcasing a blend of tactical discipline, resilience and attacking intent.
The current AFCON campaign has also taken on added significance for Nigeria after their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, both in the group stage and playoffs. As a result, the tournament has been viewed by many as an opportunity to restore confidence and rebuild trust in the national team.
Standing in Nigeria’s path is an Algerian side renowned for its experience and strong pedigree in the competition. The Desert Foxes, champions in 2019, have shown their trademark defensive organisation and sharp transitions, edging past DR Congo 1-0 in the round of 16. They will be keen to remind Africa of their credentials after mixed performances in recent tournaments.
While Nigeria may boast greater individual firepower, history suggests that encounters between both sides are often finely balanced. Memories of their 2019 semi-final meeting, decided by a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick, still linger.
With Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi leading Nigeria’s attack, and Algeria relying on the experience of Mahrez, Bennacer and Amoura, a tightly contested match is expected, with fine margins likely to determine the outcome.
Fixture Details:
Nigeria vs Algeria
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Quarter-final)
Date: Saturday, January 6, 2026
Time: 5:00pm
Venue: Stade de Marrakech, Ouahat Sidi Ibrahim
Where to Watch: CAF TV
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