The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches its decisive phase on Saturday as Algeria and Nigeria contest one of the most finely balanced quarter-finals in Marrakech.
Both sides arrive with perfect records at the tournament, but contrasting strengths suggest a contest defined by control against conviction, Algeria’s defensive assurance set against Nigeria’s attacking momentum.
Match preview
For Algeria this fixture represents an opportunity to banish a recent trend that has stalled past AFCON campaigns.
Despite entering recent tournaments with high expectations, the Desert Warriors have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage in four of their last six knockout appearances.
Photo Credit: AFP
Their path to the last eight has been authoritative. Vladimir Petković’s men dominated the group phase, collecting maximum points while conceding just once. That defensive composure was tested in the round of 16, where patience rather than fluency carried them past DR Congo after extra time.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have progressed with a different rhythm. The Super Eagles have played with attacking freedom throughout the competition, scoring 12 goals in four matches the highest tally at AFCON 2025 while also showing growing defensive stability.
Their most complete performance came in the round of 16, where they swept aside Mozambique 4–0 to register their first clean sheet of the tournament.
That display showed why Nigeria remain one of the most consistent knockout performers in AFCON history, reaching the semi-finals or better in 15 of their previous 20 appearances.
Ndidi celebrating his first ever goal for the Nigeria with his teammates. Photo Credit: Imago
Saturday’s tie also revisits a rivalry that has favoured Algeria in recent years. Nigeria have failed to win any of the last four meetings between the sides, including the 2019 AFCON semi-final, though several of those encounters came outside competitive tournament play.
Team news
Algeria’s main concern surrounds Ismaël Bennacer, who was forced off during the extra-time victory over DR Congo. Jaouen Hadjam could return after missing two matches, but Anis Hadj Moussa is unlikely to feature again at the tournament.
Riyad Mahrez remains central to Algeria’s attacking plans and continues to push for the Golden Boot, while Adil Boulbina’s decisive goal last time out has strengthened his case for inclusion from the start.
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Nigeria report no fresh injury concerns. Eric Chelle is expected to retain his 4-4-2 diamond, with Wilfred Ndidi anchoring midfield and Lookman operating behind a strike pairing of Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Algeria Possible lineups
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria possible lineup
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Super Eagles of Nigeria. Photo Credit: Getty Images
Prediction: Algeria 1–2 Nigeria
This quarter-final pits the tournament’s most disciplined defence against its most productive attack. With both sides comfortable in possession and capable of adapting mid-game, fine margins are likely to decide the outcome.
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Nigeria’s greater attacking variety could prove decisive in a tight contest, and the Super Eagles may edge it by a single goal.
