Nigeria’s Super Eagles will put the tournament’s most potent attack to the test against Algeria’s meanest defence on Saturday when both sides clash in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Marrakech, with a semi-final place at stake.
The encounter will take place at the Stade de Marrakech (Grand Stade de Marrakech) in Ouahat Sidi Brahim, Morocco, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 pm Nigerian time (4:00 pm GMT).
Both teams head into the tie unbeaten after four matches each, setting up a high-stakes clash for a place in the semi-finals.
The Super Eagles topped their group with maximum points after victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2) and Uganda (3-1).
They followed that up with a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16, their first clean sheet of the tournament.
Nigeria have emerged as the competition’s most prolific attacking side, scoring 12 goals in four matches.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have led the charge with three goals each, while Akor Adams and others have also contributed.
However, the Eagles have conceded four goals so far, an area that may be tested against Algeria’s disciplined attack.
Algeria also swept through the group stage before edging past DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in the round of 16, with substitute Adil Boulbina scoring in the 119th minute.
The Desert Foxes boast the tournament’s strongest defence, conceding just one goal in four matches.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane has been pivotal, recording multiple clean sheets.
Offensively, Algeria have scored eight goals, with captain Riyad Mahrez among their key performers.
The rivalry between both nations remains finely balanced.
In 22 meetings across competitive and friendly matches, Algeria have recorded 10 wins to Nigeria’s nine, with three draws.
Algeria have won the three encounters between the sides, including a 2-1 victory in the 2019 AFCON semi-final on their way to lifting the title.
Nigeria, however, have a strong tournament pedigree, having reached at least the semi-finals in 15 of their last 20 AFCON appearances.
Algeria may be without midfielder Ismaël Bennacer, who is a fitness doubt, while Anis Hadj-Moussa is suspended.
Nigeria are expected to field a full-strength squad, with no major injury concerns reported.
The winner of the match will advance to the semi-final to meet Morocco on January 14 in Rabat, after they defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarterfinal tie on Friday.
Saturday’s clash sets up a compelling contest between the tournament’s most potent attack and its tightest defence, with a place in the last four at stake.
