AFCON 2025: Super Eagles’ attack to face Algeria’s tight defence in quarter-final
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are set to test their tournament-leading attack against Algeria’s formidable defence in Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Marrakech, Morocco.
A place in the semi-finals is at stake as both teams aim to continue their unbeaten runs.
Super Eagles’ firepower meets Algeria’s wall in AFCON quarter-final
The clash will be held at Stade de Marrakech, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 pm Nigerian time.
Both sides come into the tie having impressed in the group stage and round of 16, creating expectations of a high-intensity encounter.
Nigeria’s journey so far has seen them score 12 goals in four matches, topping their group with wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, before a 4-0 victory against Mozambique in the round of 16.
Nigeria targets semi-final as Eagles face Desert Foxes defence
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have led the attack, supported by Akor Adams and other contributors.
“Our attack has been strong, but Algeria’s defence is disciplined and well-organised. We know it will be a tough test, but we are confident we can break them down and play our style of football,” a Super Eagles official said.
Algeria, meanwhile, has conceded only once in four matches, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane keeping multiple clean sheets. Offensively, the Desert Foxes have scored eight goals, with captain Riyad Mahrez playing a pivotal role.
Fitness doubts over Ismaël Bennacer and a suspension for Anis Hadj-Moussa could affect Algeria’s lineup, but they remain a disciplined unit.
Historically, the rivalry is finely balanced. In 22 encounters, Algeria have 10 wins, Nigeria nine, and three draws. Notably, Algeria won the three most recent AFCON clashes, including a 2-1 semi-final triumph in 2019.
Nigeria’s squad is reportedly fully fit, with no major injury concerns, giving coach Berti Vogts the flexibility to field his strongest lineup.
The winner will face Morocco in Rabat on January 14, following the Atlas Lions’ 2-0 quarter-final victory over Cameroon.
Saturday’s match is expected to be a showcase of contrasting styles: the tournament’s most potent attack against its tightest defence, in a game that could set the tone for the final stages of AFCON 2025.
