Former Super Eagles international Mutiu Adepoju has urged the team to maintain their level of performance ahead of their AFCON quarterfinal clash against Algeria, SportPremi reports.
Nigeria have played at a top level so far at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, winning all of their four matches so far.
They have also scored 12 goals – the highest so far at the tournament, and showed signs of defensive improvement with a clean sheet in their last match.
The Super Eagles began their campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania in their Group C opener and followed that performance with another 3-2 win over Tunisia in one of the games of the tournament.
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They rounded up their group stage campaign with a comfortable 3-1 win over Uganda, showcasing their remarkable squad depth in the victory.
In their Round of 16 clash against Mozambique last Monday, they produced arguably the best performance this tournament with a 4-0 rout of their opponents.
It was the highest margin of victory at the tournament and marked a first clean sheet for the team in their four matches.
Up next is a clash against Algeria in the quarterfinals, as they continue their quest for a fourth African title.
Adepoju urges Nigeria to keep momentum ahead of crucial Algeria clash
Mutiu Adepoju, who represented Nigeria at multiple editions of the FIFA World Cup and African Cup of Nations tournament, believes the team must maintain their level to advance beyond the next round of the tournament.
“Yeah, it was a very good win and I would rather say it was a statement win. They really played very well and got the goals, which is what has been expected throughout this tournament”, the former Nigerian midfielder said.
“We have been improving game by game and I just hope that the improvement will continue in the quarter-finals. I mean, it was tremendous and the play was good. Yes, it was total dominance from the Super Eagles over the Mozambicans. It was a very good win.
Hopefully, we will be able to replicate the same performance against Algeria, who will be another difficult side”, he continued.
“I hope the boys can do what they did on Monday. They can win the trophy, but they have to keep the momentum going.”
What next for Nigeria?
The Super Eagles will face Algeria, who eliminated DR Congo, in the last eight on Saturday at the Stade de Marrakech.
It will be the first time the team will be playing away from the Fez Stadium at this tournament, as they will be eyeing victory to move to the next round.
Should Nigeria advance, a clash against host nation Morocco or Cameroon awaits in the final four of the competition.
