SUPER Eagles of Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle and his Algeria counterpart Vladimir Petkovic have both expressed confidence as their sides get set to face off today in a Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) clash in Marrakesh.
Chelle insisted that the Super Eagles are avoiding distractions and will focus on achieving victory at the Grande Stade de Marrakesh for a place in the semi-finals, where hosts Morocco await.
“It’s crucial for me to maintain focus on the pitch. While energy matters, the mindset is paramount. Our group will remain united,” Chelle said, apparently in reference to the on-field clash between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, which marred the round of 16 win over Mozambique.
“This match is critical against a formidable opponent. We are in the process of determining our game plan.
“I hold a deep respect for this Algerian team; their staff operates with exceptional professionalism. I’m not dwelling on revenge for 2019. My priority is to compete fiercely and secure qualification.”
Algeria won last AFCON clash between both teams – a 2019 semi-final encounter at the Cairo International Stadium that ended with Riyad Mahrez scoring the winner from a last-gasp free-kick.
On his part, Petkovic believes his side have the quality to stop the prolific Super Eagles, who have scored 12 goals in four matches in Morocco.
“The most important thing is the state of mind. It all starts from there, and from that point of view, we are irreproachable. We have the reliability and the quality,” the Bosnian said.
“We need to be just as good defensively as offensively. That will be paramount. All the details will matter against Nigeria. Nothing should be left to chance.
“We have the quality. We believe in ourselves and we just have to play a big game.”
Saturday’s match will be the 25th clash between both teams at senior level, with the Fennecs having won 10 times and the Super Eagles nine in regulation time.
Five previous confrontations have ended in draws, but the Super Eagles claimed a penalty shootout win in one of them – in the semi-final finals at the 1988 AFCON also hosted by Morocco.
After the regulation and extra-time ended 1-1, Nigeria prevailed 9-8 in a penalty shootout that went into sudden death and saw some players kicking twice.