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Algeria and Nigeria Set for AFCON Quarterfinal Showdown
Algeria and Nigeria meet in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinal at Marrakesh Stadium, Morocco, on Saturday at 5pm local time (16:00 GMT).
The clash promises a battle between Algeria’s strong defence and Nigeria’s potent attack. Algeria have conceded only once in four games, while Nigeria lead the tournament with 12 goals.
How Both Teams Reached the Quarterfinals
Algeria:
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Won all three group matches against Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.
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Defeated DR Congo 1-0 in the round of 16 with a stunning extra-time goal from Adil Boulbina.
Nigeria:
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Topped Group C, beating Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
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Opened the knockout stage with a 4-0 win over Mozambique.
The winner will face the winner of Cameroon vs Morocco in the semifinals on January 14 in Rabat.
Key Players to Watch
Algeria:
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Riyad Mahrez: Experienced winger with three goals in four matches.
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Ibrahim Maza & Anis Moussa: Strong attacking contributions, each with two goals or assists.
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Mohamed Amoura: Top scorer in 2026 World Cup qualification.
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Luca Zidane: Goalkeeper keeping clean sheets in all three games so far.
Nigeria:
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Ademola Lookman: Three goals and four assists, excelling as a playmaker and finisher.
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Victor Osimhen: Three goals so far; gradually finding top form.
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Akor Adams & Alex Iwobi: Key contributors in attack and midfield.
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Wilfried Ndidi: Anchors Nigeria’s midfield with strong defensive presence.
Team News and Predicted Lineups
Algeria
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Coach Vladimir Petkovic is monitoring Ismael Bennacer’s fitness after an injury in the last game.
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Predicted lineup: Luca Zidane; Rafik Belghali, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait Nouri; Hicham Boudaoui, Ismael Bennacer, Fares Chaibi; Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, Mohamed Amoura
Nigeria
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Coach Eric Chelle has a fully fit squad available.
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Predicted lineup: Stanley Nwabali; Bright Osayu-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen
Recent Drama Between Nigeria’s Stars
In Nigeria’s last match, striker Victor Osimhen clashed with teammate Ademola Lookman. Osimhen appeared frustrated when Lookman took on defenders rather than passing to him.
Captain Wilfried Ndidi tried to calm the situation, but tensions persisted. Osimhen was eventually substituted, and he left the pitch immediately after the final whistle. Lookman later called it “just football.”
Historical Context
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Head-to-head record: Algeria and Nigeria have met 22 times. Algeria lead slightly with 10 wins to Nigeria’s 9.
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AFCON history: Algeria are two-time champions (1990, 2019). Nigeria have won three titles (1980, 1994, 2013).
Algeria has historically been tough opposition for Nigeria in AFCON tournaments, winning four of nine meetings.
Attribution
Information adapted from CAF and international sports reporting.
