The AFCON 2025 is now at its business end, as a loss now means an ejection from the tournament with no chance of rectification, Soccernet.ng reports.
After trashing Mozambique 4-0 at the Complexe de Fes, the Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to lock horns against the Fennec Foxes at the Stade de Marrakech tomorrow, with kick-off slated for 5:00 PM WAT
Morocco, Mali, Senegal, Egypt, Cote d’Ivoire, and Cameroon are the other nations that have sealed a place in the last eight of the AFCON 2025.
Soccernet.ng highlights five key players that could make a difference on the pitch for either side tomorrow.
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AFCON 2025: Five players to watch in Nigeria’s clash against Algeria
1. Luca Zidane
His presence in Algeria’s AFCON 2025 squad brought a household name to Morocco, in the person of his father, Zenidine Zidane.
Nonetheless, the Granada goalkeeper has done well for himself this tournament, keeping three clean sheets from Algeria’s four games, whilst conceding just one goal.
Luca is almost hard to beat, and while the Super Eagles of Nigeria have been prolific in front of goal (12 goals in four games), they have to be at the top of their game to score against the man between the sticks for Algeria.
2. Riyad Mahrez
While he’s no longer as pacy as he used to be, Riyad Mahrez has been a vital player for Vladimir Petkovic’s side in Morocco.
The former Manchester City winger has scored three goals in the AFCON 2025 tournament, the most for Algeria so far, and the second-highest across the competition, behind Morocco’s Brahim Diaz.
Deja vu could also kick in for the 34-year-old, considering his 95th-minute free-kick knocked Nigeria out of the AFCON 2019 semi-final.
He has made it clear that he’s looking forward to doing it again tomorrow, if the opportunity presents itself.
3. Ademola Lookman
Without a doubt, the Atalanta winger has been the best player at the AFCON 2025 tournament. He’s scored three goals and provided four assists in three games.
Overall, in 11 AFCON games, Lookman has scored six goals and provided five assists, and tomorrow will be another opportunity for him to add to his catalogue, given he thrives on the big stage
He was included in the AFCON Group Stage Best Eleven alongside Nigeria’s head coach, Eric Chelle.
4. Victor Osimhen
Like Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen has also scored three games. The Galatasaray striker is always a tough personality to contain for opposition defenders, given his ability to constantly press, meaning they constantly have to be on their toes.
There’s an added incentive for the former Napoli striker. He’s just three goals shy of the Super Eagles’ all-time goalscorer record, and the game against Algeria serves as a point for Osimhen to step up.
5. Alex Iwobi
While his praises might not be sung by many, or his name shining bright across billboard headlines, Iwobi is a key instrument in Eric Chelle’s setup.
His passing ability, largely, is cut above any other player in the Nigerian team, and the Algerians have to watch out for the ex-Arsenal player.