AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Relocate To Marrakech Ahead Of Quarter-Final Showdown With Algeria

AFCON 2025: Super Eagles Relocate To Marrakech Ahead Of Quarter-Final Showdown With Algeria

By Admin 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles will travel from Fes to Marrakech on Thursday as preparations intensify for their Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria, scheduled for Saturday, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The highly anticipated encounter will kick off at 5:00 pm Nigeria time and adds another chapter to the long-standing rivalry between both African heavyweights.

Saturday’s fixture was initially expected to be a rematch of Nigeria’s painful World Cup qualification play-off defeat to DR Congo in November. However, Algeria edged past the Leopards with a dramatic late goal in extra time during their round-of-16 encounter on Tuesday, setting up a quarter-final meeting with the Super Eagles instead.

The clash in Marrakech — often referred to as the “Brown City” — revives memories of several historic AFCON battles between Nigeria and Algeria. At the 1990 tournament hosted by Algeria, the North Africans defeated Nigeria 5–1 in the group stage before edging the final 1–0. Algeria also eliminated the Eagles at the semi-final stage of AFCON 2019, courtesy of Riyad Mahrez’s late free-kick. Nigeria’s most notable revenge came in 1988, when the Eagles triumphed over Algeria on penalties at the semi-final stage.

Beyond the rich history, there is positive news from the Nigerian camp, with calm restored following brief tension during Monday’s 4–0 victory over Mozambique. An on-field exchange between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman had sparked concerns, but team officials insist harmony has since returned.

Further boosting morale, forward Akor Adams has rejoined the squad after receiving permission to visit his ailing mother in a Moroccan hospital. He returned in time to participate in Tuesday evening’s training session.

In a statement released by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the federation confirmed full squad participation in training.

“All the 26 available players were involved in Tuesday evening’s session at the Sardienne Complex,” the statement read.

“The three-time champions will on Thursday move to the city of Marrakech, where they will play Saturday’s quarter-final duel scheduled to kick off at 5pm.”

The NFF also highlighted Victor Osimhen’s growing legacy in Nigerian football. The Napoli striker scored twice against Mozambique to take his international tally to 34 goals in 50 appearances — just three shy of the all-time record of 37 goals held by the late Rashidi Yekini.

As anticipation builds, Nigeria will be looking to draw inspiration from history while keeping their focus firmly on securing a place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals.