Nigeria vs Algeria AFCON Quarter-Final: Match Preview Head-to-Head Team Updates & How to Watch

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria go head-to-head with the Desert Foxes of Algeria at 5 p.m. today, January 10, in what many have billed as one of the standout clashes of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. The showdown takes place at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, with a coveted semi-final spot at stake.

Nigeria enters the fixture as one of the most impressive sides of the tournament. Under coach Eric Chelle, the team has showcased a balanced blend of attacking flair and defensive stability. Their commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16 demonstrated their sharpness, depth, and rising confidence.

This match also carries emotional and strategic weight for the Super Eagles. After losing the last AFCON final and failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the current campaign has been framed as an opportunity for redemption and reconnection with fans. So far, the team has responded with conviction.

Algeria, the 2019 champions, present a very different kind of challenge. Led by Vladimir Petković, the Desert Foxes rely heavily on structure, discipline, and tactical awareness. They advanced past DR Congo in extra time in their last match and have conceded just once throughout the tournament, highlighting their defensive resilience.

The contrast between Nigeria’s pace, creativity, and attacking intent versus Algeria’s compact organisation and patient approach sets up a finely balanced tactical battle.

Nigeria vs Algeria: Head-to-Head Record

Nigeria and Algeria have met 24 times at senior level.

Algeria wins: 10
Nigeria wins: 9
Draws: 5

Algeria has historically been a difficult opponent for the Super Eagles, with their most recent painful memory coming in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, where Riyad Mahrez scored a late free-kick winner.

Conversely, one of Nigeria’s most iconic AFCON victories over Algeria came back in 1988 in Morocco, when the Super Eagles triumphed via a penalty shootout after a 1–1 draw.

Team News

Nigeria

Coach Eric Chelle has a fully fit squad to choose from, allowing flexibility across every department. The attacking combination of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams has been highly effective, while Alex Iwobi continues to orchestrate play admirably from midfield.

Algeria

Algeria’s main injury concern surrounds Ismaël Bennacer, who was forced off in their previous game. Even if he doesn’t start, the team still boasts experience and threat through key figures such as Riyad Mahrez and Mohammed Amoura.