BETTING GUIDE: Algeria vs Nigeria, match preview, team news and betting tip
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Reading Time: 3min | Fri. 09.01.26. | 15:35
With a place in the semi-finals on the line - and a potential meeting with Cameroon or Morocco awaiting the winner - this encounter brings together two continental heavyweights who have been flawless so far in Morocco
Saturday’s quarter-final action at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations delivers one of the standout fixtures of the tournament, as Algeria and Nigeria lock horns at the Marrakesh Stadium.
With a place in the semi-finals on the line - and a potential meeting with Cameroon or Morocco awaiting the winner - this encounter brings together two continental heavyweights who have been flawless so far in Morocco.
Algeria arrive at this stage with growing momentum and renewed belief after disappointing early exits in the previous two editions.
The Desert Warriors topped their group with a perfect record, beating Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea while scoring seven goals and conceding just once.
Their most recent outing in the Round of 16 was a sterner examination, as they were held scoreless by DR Congo in regulation time before Adil Boulbina struck a dramatic winner in the 119th minute of extra time.
That result extended Algeria’s impressive recent run to 11 wins in their last 14 matches across all competitions, underlining both their defensive solidity and growing resilience in knockout situations.
From a statistical perspective, Algeria have been particularly disciplined.
Across their last five matches, they have scored eight goals and conceded only two, keeping clean sheets in four of those fixtures.
Algeria entered the tournament as one of the highest-ranked African sides and have played with the composure of genuine title contenders.
Their home-style comfort in Morocco has translated well, and their “home form” at this neutral venue has effectively been perfect so far, with four wins from four.
Team news, however, introduces a slight note of concern.
Ismael Bennacer remains a doubt after being forced off against DR Congo, and his availability could influence Algeria’s midfield control.
Jaouen Hadjam may return after injury. Riyad Mahrez remains the focal point in attack with three goals, while Boulbina’s late heroics might push him into contention for a starting role.
Nigeria, meanwhile, have arguably been the tournament’s most explosive side.
The Super Eagles have also won all four of their matches, scoring a competition-high 12 goals while conceding four.
Their Round-of-16 demolition of Mozambique, a 4-0 win highlighted by a Victor Osimhen brace and a dominant attacking display, marked their first clean sheet of the tournament.
Across their last five matches, Nigeria have scored 13 goals and conceded six, with goals a near guarantee whenever they take the field.
Eric Chelle has the luxury of a fully fit squad and is expected to stick with his trusted 4-4-2 diamond.
Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, both on three goals, headline a potent frontline, while Wilfred Ndidi anchors the midfield with authority and balance.
The head-to-head history slightly favours Algeria in recent years.
Nigeria are winless in their last four meetings with the Desert Warriors, losing three of them, including the famous 2-1 semi-final defeat at AFCON 2019.
Those trends add an extra psychological layer to an already high-stakes contest.
Key Pointers;
Nigeria have won all their games in this competition in regulation time.
Nigeria are the highest scoring team at AFCON 2025 (12 goals).
Nigeria have scored two or more goals in seven of their last nine matches in all competitions.
Nigeria were runners-up at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
All signs point to a finely balanced, high-quality contest. Algeria’s defensive structure and tournament nous will test Nigeria, but the Super Eagles’ attacking firepower, depth and momentum may ultimately tilt the scales.
With goals likely and margins tight, the value lies with Nigeria finding a way through.
Prediction; Draw
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