Super Eagles manager Eric Chelle has emphasized the need for complete focus from his squad as Nigeria gets ready for a crucial Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final showdown with Algeria in Marrakech.
The high-pressure encounter will take place on Saturday evening, with a semifinal place at stake.
Nigeria head into the match full of confidence after overcoming Mozambique in their previous game, while Algeria secured their quarter-final berth with a tight victory over DR Congo.
Speaking ahead of the match, Chelle stressed that the team must shut out all off-field distractions and remain fully committed to their preparations in Morocco.
“I want us to concentrate completely on Marrakech. There is a match to be played, and everything else can come afterward,” Chelle stated.
“The journey begins here in Marrakech. We must stay focused on our training sessions and on the upcoming match.”
The quarter-final will be staged at the Grande Stade Marrakech, with kick-off set for 5 p.m. Nigerian time.
Meanwhile, Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez expects a different type of contest against the Super Eagles. Algeria battled hard for their 1–0 win over DR Congo and anticipate a more open and dynamic challenge from Nigeria.
“We will be facing a very different team compared to DR Congo,” Mahrez said during Friday’s media briefing.
“We believe the next match will be more open, giving us more room to express ourselves. We must be fully ready.”
Mahrez holds memorable moments against Nigeria, notably scoring the decisive goal that sent Algeria to the final when both nations met in the AFCON 2019 semi-final at the Cairo International Stadium.
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