Riyad Mahrez Backs Super Eagles to Win AFCON 2025
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has tipped Nigeria’s Super Eagles to lift the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Mahrez played 60 minutes as Algeria faced Nigeria in the quarter-final at Stade Marrakech on Saturday. Before the match, the winger had already scored three goals and was considered a key threat. However, he struggled to make an impact as Nigeria’s defence kept him tightly marked.
Even after he was substituted, his replacement, Anis Hadj Moussa, also failed to influence the game. Nigeria dominated throughout, controlling midfield and attack, and secured a 2–0 win. The scoreline could easily have been higher.
After the match, Mahrez, who had announced before the game that this would be his final international tournament, admitted his disappointment but praised Nigeria.
“I’m happy I was able to win one AFCON trophy for my country. It’s football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose,” Mahrez said.
“Maybe it will be the time for Nigeria to win. They have a good generation. But sometimes, you can have a good generation, but you don’t win. It’s really difficult to win, but I think they have a good chance.”
Nigeria now need two more wins to claim the title. Their next challenge is against hosts Morocco in the semi-final, a tough test against one of the tournament favourites and in front of a passionate home crowd.
If they overcome Morocco, the Super Eagles will face the winner of the other semi-final between Senegal and Egypt in the final.
