AFCON 2025: Algeria, Nigeria renew rivalry in quarter final showdown

After an exhilarating Friday, 9 January quarter-final session that saw Morocco and Senegal secure their spots in the semi-finals, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) returns on Saturday, 10 January, with two more captivating fixtures.

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The spotlight, however, will be firmly on North African powerhouse Algeria, as they clash with West African giants Nigeria in a highly anticipated 7:00 pm kickoff at Marrakech.

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Saturday’s encounter marks the tenth competitive AFCON meeting between these two footballing heavyweights, with their last continental showdown taking place six years ago in 2019.

Historically, Algeria holds a slight edge in the fixture at AFCON, having recorded four wins to Nigeria’s three, with the remaining two matches ending in stalemates. On the broader international stage, the rivalry is even more competitive.

The two nations have faced off 19 times, with Nigeria leading the tally with nine victories, Algeria with five, and five encounters finishing in draws.

For Algeria, this marks their seventh appearance at the AFCON quarter-finals, a stage where they have previously triumphed en route to claiming the continental crown in 1990 and 2019.

Nigeria, meanwhile, are contesting the quarter-finals for the twelfth time, having won the tournament in 1980, 1994, and 2013, underscoring their pedigree on the African stage.

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković exuded confidence ahead of the clash, emphasizing the need for precision and discipline.

“Our mindset is strong. We are reliable and full of quality. Against Nigeria, every detail matters; we must defend and attack well, leaving nothing to chance,” Petković stated.

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez, speaking with determination, highlighted the unique nature of this meeting compared to 2019.

“This match against Nigeria will be very different from the one in 2019. That was in Egypt, with different players, a different style of play, and a different journey. This will be my last AFCON. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations again with this generation; I really want it,” the 34-year-old said.

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On the Nigerian side, head coach Éric Sékou Chelle stressed the importance of offensive execution.

“To win this game, we have to score goals. We analysed them, identified weaknesses, and worked on a plan. The players’ mindset is crucial because this is a big game,” Chelle explained.

Vice-captain Moses Simon echoed the coach’s sentiments, acknowledging past disappointments, while expressing determination to succeed.

“We know what happened in 2019, but this is a different mindset. We have many hungry young players. Our goal is to win and make our dreams come true,” Simon affirmed.

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With a semi-final berth on the line, both Algeria and Nigeria will be leaving nothing to chance.

Victory in regulation time will be the ultimate goal for both sides, as neither team will want to risk the drama of post-match penalties.

This quarter-final promises a football spectacle and continental glory setting place for a cracker.

AFCON 2025 - ROUND OF 16

Friday

Mali - Senegal 0-1 (0-1)

/Ndiaye 27/

Cameroon - Morocco 0-2 (0-1)

/Diaz 26, Saibari 74/

Saturday

19.00: (3.30) Algeria (3.15) Nigeria (2.45)

22.00: (3.30) Egypt (2.85) Ivory Coast (2.55)

***odds are subject to change***