The stage is set in Marrakech this evening as Nigeria’s Super Eagles take on old rivals Algeria in a crucial Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
The clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech brings together two of Africa’s most respected football nations, whose meetings over the years have been filled with tension, big moments and lasting memories.
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With the tournament now heading towards the business end, there is no room for error, and both teams know that one good or bad moment could decide the outcome.
Nigeria come into the match with confidence after a convincing 4–0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
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The Super Eagles showed speed, strength and sharp finishing in that game, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman leading the attack.
They will be hoping to carry that form into tonight’s encounter and take another step towards the AFCON title.
After a perfect run in the Group stage, Algeria, on their part, needed extra time to overcome DR Congo in the last round, but that win showed their patience and fighting spirit.
The Desert Foxes are a well-organised side with experienced players who understand how to manage big matches, and they will be eager to frustrate Nigeria and strike at the right time.
READ ALSO: AFCON 2025: Hosts Morocco beat Cameroon, zoom into semi-finals
History also adds weight to this contest. Nigeria and Algeria have met several times at the Africa Cup of Nations, including finals and semi-finals, and many of those games were decided by fine margins.
That history ensures another tough and closely fought battle is expected tonight.
As Algeria and Nigeria chase a place in the last four tonight, PREMIUM TIMES will be providing live updates.
Kickoff is 5.pm
Eric Chelle names strong starting XI for Algeria
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has named his starting team for Saturday’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Algeria’s Desert Foxes.
As expected, Stanley Nwabali keeps his place in goal. The Chippa United goalkeeper will be hoping to record his second clean sheet at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco
In defence, Chelle has selected Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Bruno Onyemaechi to protect the goalkeeper.
The midfield is built around experience, with captain Wilfred Ndidi leading the trio alongside Alex Iwobi and Frank Onyeka. All three players are used to the demands of big matches and will be key in controlling the game.
In attack, Victor Osimhen leads the line for Nigeria. The Galatasaray striker will be supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, who are expected to provide pace, movement and goals.
On the bench, Nigeria have several strong options, including Samuel Chukwueze, Chidera Ejuke, Moses Simon, Paul Onuachu, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, Francis Uzoho, Igoh Ogbu and Raphael Onyedika.
The match will kick off at 5:00 pm at the Marrakesh Stadium.
The winner will qualify for the AFCON semi-finals, where hosts Morocco are waiting after their win over Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.
Super Eagles starting XI:
Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Adams, Osimhen.
All set for kickoff in Marakesh as the pre-match formalities are being rounded off
Kickoff… Super Eagles get the game underway
Free kick for Nigeria inside the first minute
Semi Ajayi gets a head to the ball but his effort is over the bar
Alex Iwobi tries a long pass to Osimhen but it was too far for the striker
Algeria fans dominate the stadium…
Corner kick for Nigeria… The Super Eagles have started well pressing high
Frank Onyeka commits foul and free kick for Algeria
The referee having a word with the Algeria coach
Game back on
10 minutes gone Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
YELLOW CARD: Zaruki booked for a foul on Ademola Lookman
Maza with a rough tackle on tackle on Calvin Bassey
Onyeka’s attempted cross is blocked as the Super Eagles keep pushing for an opening goal
Super Eagles have made seven attacks while Algeria has made four… Feisty clash so far
20 minutes gone: Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
Free kick for Algeria in a promising position
Nwabali gets a hand to it and he wins a free kick also
Chance… Osimhen comes close but disposed before pulling the trigger
A timely challenge by the Algeria defender saves the Desert Foxes
Yellow card;: Amoura booked for a foul on Bright Osayi-Samuel
VAR CHECK for a possible goal for Nigeria
No goal for Nigeria Rami cleared the ball over the line
Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane gets attended to by the medics as game gets back on
Algeria are unbeaten on their last four games against Nigeria.. The Super Eagles have the task of ending that this evening
Last four games
10 Nov 2017: Algeria 1-1 Nigeria (FIFA WCq: Constantine)
14 Jul 2019: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (AFCON: Cairo)
09 Oct 2020: Nigeria 0-1 Algeria (Friendly: St. Veit, Austria)
27 Sep 2022: Algeria 2-1 Nigeria (Friendly: Oran)
Three minutes added time
Osayi-Samuel wins a free kick just outside the penalty box
Onyemachi plays it straight and Luca Zidane makes an easy save
We are back for the second half
Algeria get us back on the way
GOAL! Fantastic start by Nigeria… Osimhen heads in the opening goal
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
The Super Eagles have now scored 13 goals in Morocco… With 21 shots on target
Onyemachi with another teasing cross to Osimhen but Goalkeeper Luca Zidane makes a save this time
GOAL!! Akor makes it 2-0
Osimhen with the assist for Akor Adams…. Great team work by the Super Eagles
Triple change for Algeria as the coach tries to turn things around
Whoever wins this game will be facing Morocco in the semi finals…. Already looking like a Nigeria vs Morocco semi final
Captain Wilfred Ndidi not looking good as he walks off the pitch
Double change for Nigeria as Frank Onyeka and Wilfred Ndidi makes way for Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon
Victor Osimhen takes over as the captain as Ndidi is now out of the game
70 minutes gone
The Super Eagles are looking to qualify for the AFCON semi final for the 16th time… They are almost there
The Algerian fans still pushing their team on even though they’re trailing by two goals
Over 52,000 fans at Stade Marakesh for this quarter final clash
The last time Nigeria beat Algeria was in 2016 in a World Qualifier… The Super Eagles are close to changing it that tonight
Almost a third goal … Osimhen with a cut back pass for Akor whose header hit the bar… Very close!
Yellow card for Nwabali for supposed time wasting
SUBSTITUTION: Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman off for Chidozie Awaziem and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru
Full Time: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
The Super Eagles are through to the AFCON 2025 semi final where they will face hosts Morocco
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