Nigeria Vs Algeria: Head-to-Head Team News, Form Guide and Key Battles Ahead of Quarterfinal Clash

Nigeria Vs Algeria: Head-to-Head Team News, Form Guide and Key Battles Ahead of Quarterfinal Clash

By Admin 

Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Algeria’s Desert Foxes will renew their long-standing rivalry on Saturday when they meet in the quarter-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations at the 45,000-capacity Grand Stade de Marrakech.

With a combined five AFCON titles between them, both sides will be aiming to book a place in the semi-finals of what has been widely regarded as one of the most competitive and glamorous editions in the tournament’s 69-year history.

Journey to Marrakech

Neither team has enjoyed the comfort of a permanent base at this stage of the competition. Nigeria travelled from Fès on Thursday, having played all their group-stage and Round of 16 matches there, while Algeria also made the trip to Marrakech after completing their earlier fixtures in Rabat.

Form Guide

Three-time champions Nigeria arrive in Marrakech in formidable attacking form, having scored 12 goals across their four matches so far. Algeria, champions in 1990 and 2019, have netted eight times, including emphatic group-stage victories over Sudan and Equatorial Guinea.

The Desert Foxes sealed their quarter-final place with a dramatic added-time winner against the Democratic Republic of Congo, while Nigeria cruised past Mozambique in the Round of 16.

Key Players to Watch

Nigeria’s attacking trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams has been among the most feared at the tournament. Osimhen and Lookman, instrumental in Nigeria’s runner-up finish at the last AFCON in Côte d’Ivoire, have again delivered decisively, scoring three goals each. Lookman has added five assists, underlining his influence.

Akor Adams, who opened his AFCON account against Mozambique, arrives buoyed by that breakthrough and positive personal circumstances, while Paul Onuachu remains an option after scoring Nigeria’s milestone 150th AFCON goal during the group phase.

Osimhen’s brace in the Round of 16 moved him within three goals of Nigeria’s all-time international scoring record, adding another layer of motivation ahead of Saturday’s clash.

Algeria, however, boast proven match-winners of their own. Baghdad Bounedjah, scorer of the winning goal in the 2019 final against Senegal, remains a constant threat, while captain Riyad Mahrez continues to provide leadership and cutting edge, evoking memories of Algerian greats such as Rabah Madjer and Lakhdar Belloumi.

Midfielder Ismaël Bennacer offers creativity and control, while defender Ramy Bensebaini scorer against Nigeria in a 2020 friendly and Adil Boulbina, whose stunning strike eliminated DR Congo, add further danger. Nigeria will also need to be wary of Ibrahim Maza, Hicham Boudaoui and Anis Hadj-Moussa.

Nigeria’s Confidence

Nigeria have impressed with their balance of intensity, discipline and attacking flair. Captain Wilfred Ndidi has anchored the midfield effectively, supported by the energy and creativity of Alex Iwobi, as the Super Eagles continue to show resilience and ambition.

What’s at Stake

The winner of Saturday’s encounter will progress to the semi-finals to face either Cameroon or Morocco, who meet in Rabat on Friday.

The fixture also carries historical resonance. When Morocco last hosted the AFCON in 1988, Nigeria and Algeria met in the semi-finals, with the Super Eagles advancing on penalties before losing a controversial final to Cameroon. Thirty-eight years later, the same quartet — Nigeria, Algeria, Cameroon and Morocco — are once again contesting the knockout rounds, this time at the quarter-final stage.

Head-to-Head History

Nigeria and Algeria have met 24 times across AFCON, World Cup qualifiers, All-Africa Games and friendlies, producing a fiercely competitive rivalry that includes AFCON final encounters in 1980 and 1990, as well as Algeria’s 2–1 victory over Nigeria in the 2019 semi-final in Cairo.

Match 

Algeria Vs Nigeria (Quarterfinal 2025 AFCON)

Venue:

Marrakech Stadium, Morocco 

Date:

10th January, 2026

Time

5:00 PM