Two giants of African football collide in Marrakech on Saturday as Algeria and Nigeria fight for a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Both nations arrive with perfect records at the tournament, the only two to do so, yet that shared dominance only heightens the tension.
Algeria bring the competition’s most disciplined defence. Nigeria arrive with its most devastating attack. Something has to give.
For the Desert Warriors, this is a chance to complete a redemption arc after two humiliating group-stage exits. For the Super Eagles, it is a test of maturity, control and focus after a tournament that has been as explosive off the pitch as it has been ruthless on it.
Match preview
This quarter-final feels like the tournament arriving at full temperature.
Algeria have been methodical and controlled under Vladimir Petkovic. They won all three group games, conceding just once, and then survived a fierce examination from DR Congo in the last 16 before Adil Boulbina’s stunning 119th-minute strike sent them through.
Across four matches, they have conceded only one goal, a statistic built on organisation, patience and an outstanding goalkeeper in Luca Zidane.
Nigeria, by contrast, have been spectacular rather than surgical. Eric Chelle’s side have scored a tournament-high 12 goals in four matches, culminating in a ruthless 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in the last 16.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have led a front line that has looked fast, violent in transition and almost impossible to contain.
Yet Nigeria’s campaign has not been without noise. A visible on-pitch dispute between Osimhen and Lookman last weekend, and subsequent reports of unrest over unpaid bonuses, have added an edge to what should have been a serene build-up.
Chelle has insisted the camp is united. This match will tell us if that is true.
Tactically, this is a classic clash of styles: Algeria’s compact 4-3-3 against Nigeria’s aggressive 4-4-2 diamond. Algeria will seek control, tempo and positional discipline. Nigeria will hunt space, transitions and chaos.
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Head-to-head record
Recent history favours Algeria. The Fennec Foxes have won the last three meetings, including the unforgettable 2–1 victory in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, settled by Riyad Mahrez’s last-gasp free-kick on the way to the title.
Nigeria are winless in their last four games against Algeria and have not beaten them in a competitive match since 2004.
However, historically, when Nigeria reach this stage, they usually find a way: the Super Eagles have reached the AFCON semi-finals a joint-record 16 times.
Team news
Algeria are sweating over the fitness of Ismaël Bennacer, who was forced off against DR Congo. Jaouen Hadjam could return, but Anis Hadj Moussa is likely out for the tournament.
Nigeria have a near-perfect bill of health, with only Cyriel Dessers ruled out. Chelle is expected to stick with his preferred 4-4-2 diamond.
Stanley Nwabali will start in goal behind a defence marshalled by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, with Wilfred Ndidi anchoring midfield. Osimhen, despite last weekend’s incident, is set to start.
Key players
Algeria: Riyad Mahrez
Now 34, but still decisive. Three goals so far, still the creative axis, still the man for moments. If Algeria score, he is usually involved.
Nigeria: Ademola Lookman
Three goals, four assists, and the tournament’s most productive player. His movement between the lines and direct running have been Nigeria’s most reliable attacking weapon.
Probable line-ups
Algeria (4-3-3):
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria (4-4-2 diamond):
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Match details
- Competition: 2025 AFCON, quarter-final
- Fixture: Nigeria vs Algeria
- Date: Saturday, 10 January 2026
- Time: 5 pm Nigerian time
- Venue: Marrakech Stadium
Prediction
This is the tightest and highest-quality quarter-final of the tournament. Algeria’s defensive control against Nigeria’s attacking chaos is a fascinating contrast.
Algeria are efficient, disciplined and hard to break. But Nigeria have too many weapons, too much pace, and too much momentum going forward.
If Nigeria defend properly, and that remains the great question, their firepower should just about tip it.
- Prediction: Algeria 2-3 Nigeria