AFCON 2025 Quarter-final Preview: Algeria vs Nigeria
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches a decisive stage on Saturday as Algeria and Nigeria meet in a finely balanced quarter-final in Marrakech.
Both teams arrive with perfect records at the tournament, but their strengths differ. Algeria have impressed with their defensive discipline, while Nigeria have stood out for their attacking power. It promises to be a contest between control and conviction.
Match Preview
For Algeria, this match offers a chance to change a recent pattern at AFCON. Despite high expectations, the Desert Warriors have been knocked out at the quarter-final stage in four of their last six appearances in the knockout rounds.
Their route to the last eight has been convincing. Coach Vladimir Petković’s side dominated the group stage, winning all their matches and conceding just one goal. That defensive strength was tested in the round of 16, where they edged past DR Congo after extra time in a game that required patience rather than flair.
Nigeria, on the other hand, have played with attacking freedom. The Super Eagles have scored 12 goals in four matches, the highest total at AFCON 2025, while also showing better organisation at the back.
Their best display came in the round of 16, when they thrashed Mozambique 4–0 to record their first clean sheet of the tournament. That performance underlined Nigeria’s strong history at AFCON, having reached the semi-finals or better in 15 of their last 20 appearances.
Saturday’s match also renews a rivalry that has favoured Algeria in recent years. Nigeria have not won any of the last four meetings between the sides, including the 2019 AFCON semi-final, although some of those games were outside major tournament competition.
Team News
Algeria’s main worry is Ismaël Bennacer, who was forced off during the extra-time win over DR Congo. Jaouen Hadjam could return after missing two matches, but Anis Hadj Moussa is unlikely to play again at the tournament.
Riyad Mahrez remains key to Algeria’s attack and continues his push for the Golden Boot. Adil Boulbina’s winning goal in the last round has also strengthened his chances of starting.
Nigeria have no new injury concerns. Coach Eric Chelle is expected to keep his 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Wilfred Ndidi holding midfield and Ademola Lookman playing behind strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Possible Line-ups
Algeria:
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Prediction
Algeria 1–2 Nigeria
This quarter-final brings together the tournament’s most organised defence and its most dangerous attack. With both teams comfortable on the ball and tactically flexible, small details may decide the result.
Nigeria’s greater attacking variety could make the difference, and the Super Eagles may edge a tight contest by a single goal.
