The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) reaches a decisive stage on Saturday as Algeria and Nigeria meet in a finely balanced quarter-final in Marrakech.
Each groups arrive with good information on the event, however their strengths differ. Algeria have impressed with their defensive self-discipline, whereas Nigeria have stood out for his or her attacking energy. It guarantees to be a contest between management and conviction.
Match Preview
For Algeria, this match affords an opportunity to alter a latest sample at AFCON. Regardless of excessive expectations, the Desert Warriors have been knocked out on the quarter-final stage in 4 of their final six appearances within the knockout rounds.
Their path to the final eight has been convincing. Coach Vladimir Petković’s aspect dominated the group stage, profitable all their matches and conceding only one purpose. That defensive energy was examined within the spherical of 16, the place they edged previous DR Congo after further time in a recreation that required persistence slightly than aptitude.
Nigeria, then again, have performed with attacking freedom. The Tremendous Eagles have scored 12 targets in 4 matches, the very best whole at AFCON 2025, whereas additionally displaying higher organisation on the again.
Their greatest show got here within the spherical of 16, after they thrashed Mozambique 4–0 to file their first clear sheet of the event. That efficiency underlined Nigeria’s robust historical past at AFCON, having reached the semi-finals or higher in 15 of their final 20 appearances.
Saturday’s match additionally renews a rivalry that has favoured Algeria lately. Nigeria haven’t received any of the final 4 conferences between the edges, together with the 2019 AFCON semi-final, though a few of these video games have been exterior main event competitors.
Workforce Information
Algeria’s principal fear is Ismaël Bennacer, who was compelled off through the extra-time win over DR Congo. Jaouen Hadjam might return after lacking two matches, however Anis Hadj Moussa is unlikely to play once more on the event.
Riyad Mahrez stays key to Algeria’s assault and continues his push for the Golden Boot. Adil Boulbina’s profitable purpose within the final spherical has additionally strengthened his probabilities of beginning.
Nigeria don’t have any new harm issues. Coach Eric Chelle is anticipated to maintain his 4-4-2 diamond formation, with Wilfred Ndidi holding midfield and Ademola Lookman taking part in behind strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Doable Line-ups
Algeria:
Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Prediction
Algeria 1–2 Nigeria
This quarter-final brings collectively the event’s most organised defence and its most harmful assault. With each groups snug on the ball and tactically versatile, small particulars might resolve the end result.
Nigeria’s better attacking selection might make the distinction, and the Tremendous Eagles might edge a decent contest by a single purpose.
