The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to take on the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final at the Stade de Marrakech later today, Soccernet.ng reports.
Having breezed through Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda and Mozambique, former Nigeria midfielder, Duke Udi, has warned that Algeria present a more difficult task.
Eric Chelle’s men have conceded four goals from four games, compared to the Algerians, who have allowed one all-tournament.
Udi highlights that the game in Marrakech will be more keenly contested, and warns Nigeria to watch out for counterattacks, a feat synonymous with Vladimir Petkovic’s side.
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Duke Udi urges the Super Eagles of Nigeria to defend collectively
With everything left to play for, the four-cap former Nigeria International wants Nigeria to come out with guns blazing against the two-time AFCON winners.
“The Super Eagles should come up with their A game against Algeria, because the Algerian players are quality players like our own,” the ex-Slovan Bratislava midfielder told Soccernet.ng.
“It’s a 50-50 game, and the team that wins the second and third balls in the midfield will win the game.
“The Super Eagles must defend as a unit and attack as a unit by pushing up while attacking the Algerian team.
“The Algerians like keeping ball possession and fast counterattacks from the right and left flank players.
“The Super Eagles must have a winning mentality throughout the Afcon.
“We must also use our strength to force the Algerians to play to our own style, which is sometimes direct long balls from our defence to the attacking third by catching the Algerians out with counterattacks,” the 49-year-old concluded.
Morocco and Senegal have already booked their place in the final four of the AFCON 2025 tournament. The winner of the clash between Nigeria and Algeria will play against Morocco in the semi-final.