Algeria and Nigeria face-off in one of the quarterfinal games at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco, in a rematch of the 2019 AFCON semifinal clash.
SportPremi gives a detailed preview on the January 10 clash at the Stade de Marrakech in Marrakesh.
Match Preview
Algeria showed resilience in their Round of 16 clash against DR Congo, digging deep into extra-time to secure a 1-0 win and progress into the last eight of the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament.
It marked the first time they had failed to win a match so far at the tournament, having breezed through their group stage campaign with a 100% record. The Desert Warriors defeated Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea to top Group E and progress into the knockout rounds.
The last time they met Nigeria was in the 2019 semifinal when Riyad Mahrez netted a stunning freekick in stoppage-time to seal a 2-1 win for his side as they went on to win the title and the Algerian captain will be hoping for another inspiring performance this time around.
Head to Head Record
27.09.2022 – Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (International Friendly Match)
09.10.2020 – Nigeria 0-1 Algeria (International Friendly Match)
14.07.2019 – Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (African Cup of Nations tournament)
10.11.2017 – Algeria 1-1 Nigeria (World Cup qualifier)
12.11.2016 – Nigeria 3-1 Algeria (World Cup qualifier)
Form
Algeria
Algeria have been in remarkable form so far at the tournament, winning every of their four games, although they needed extra-time to overcome DR Congo in the last round.
First-choice goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, has not conceded a goal so far in his three matches, but will go up this time against his biggest test at the tournament.
Nigeria
Nigeria have been the most impressive country so far in Morocco, winning all of their four matches, including an emphatic 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
The Super Eagles have scored the highest number of goals (12), but they kept their first clean sheet in the last round after conceding in all of their group stage matches.
Nigeria Team News
Eric Chelle will remain without Ryan Alebiosu and Cyriel Dessers, who is out of the tournament and could face up to three months out of action.
Victor Osimhen, who angrily confronted Ademola Lookman in the last match, should lead the line after reports that the issue had been resolved internally.
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Frank Onyeka should also make the starting team despite doubts over his fitness, while Akor Adams left was excused from camp to see his sick mother, but is already back with the team.
The team temporarily boycotted training over unpaid bonuses, but have been reported to resume training and in high spirits for the clash.
Predicted Lineups:
Formation – 4-3-3
Goalkeeper: Nwabali
Defenders: Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi
Midfielders: Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi
Forwards: Lookman, Osimhen, Adams.
Players to Watch:
Ademola Lookman: The Super Eagles forward has 7G/A in only three matches and is an early contender for the player of the tournament award.
He will be hoping for another inspiring performance against Algeria, as he hopes to guide Nigeria into the last four of the competition.
Alex Iwobi: The Fulham midfielder has been at the heart of things for the Nigerian team in Morocco and his creativity will be very important when they take to the field against Algeria.
SportPremi Prediction
Algeria 1-2 Nigeria
Nigeria’s impressive attacking talents will give them the edge in this encounter and into the final four for a clash against the winner of the clash between Morocco and Cameroon.
Where to Watch
Free-to-Air: NTA Sports, BON
Pay-TV: SuperSport (DStv/GOtv channels 201/202)
Venue and Time
The match will hold at the Stade de Marrakech, Ouahat Sidi Brahim on Saturday January 10, with kickoff scheduled for 5 PM.
