Who: Algeria vs Nigeria
Content: CAF Africa Cup of Nations
Location: Marrakech Stadium, Marrakech, Morocco
When: Saturday 5pm (16:00 GMT)
How to follow: All content will be broadcast on Al Jazeera Sports from 13:00 GMT, ahead of the text commentary stream.
Algeria’s formidable defense against deadly attacks will be put to the test when they take on Nigeria in the most anticipated quarter-final of the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Marrakech on Saturday.
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Algeria displayed a near-perfect defense at AFCON 2025, conceding just one goal in four games. But their resolute last line now faces a tough challenge against a sharp-shooting Nigeria team that has scored a tournament-high 12 goals.
The formidable duo of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen will face off against the reliable Luca Zidane in what promises to be a fascinating showdown.
But will Nigeria’s attackers be able to forget their on-field problems from the previous match and take on the Algerian defense?
Here’s what you need to know about Algeria vs. Nigeria.
What was the feud between Osimhen and Lookman?
In the 63rd minute of the match against Mozambique, with Nigeria leading 3-0, Osimhen expressed dissatisfaction with Lookman’s decision to fight the defender himself rather than pass the ball during the attack.
Osimhen confronted Lookman head on and angrily pointed in his direction, prompting captain Wilfried Ndidi to intervene and break up the fight. However, his intervention proved ineffective as Mozambican defender Reinild eventually shoved Osimhen during the confrontation.
This incident seemed to have affected Osimhen’s interest thereafter, as he became increasingly distant from playing for Nigeria, and soon signaled his substitution to the bench. Head coach Eric Schell complied and introduced Moses Simon in his place.
As the final whistle approached, the drama continued as Osimhen headed straight down towards the tunnel while the rest of the Nigeria national team gathered after the match and remained on the pitch.
After the game, Lookman told reporters: “There’s no problem. It’s just football. It’s always football. He’s my brother.”
Coach Chell declined to delve into the matter, saying, “What happens on the pitch remains within the group.”
How did Algeria reach the quarterfinals of AFCON 2025?
Algeria advanced to the final tournament with three wins from three games against Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea.
In the round of 16, substitute Adil Bourbina’s brilliant strike saw them defeat the Democratic Republic of the Congo 1-0 in extra time.
How did Nigeria reach the quarter-finals?
Nigeria also defeated Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in Group C, entering the final round with a 100 per cent record.
They started their knockout campaign by defeating Mozambique 4-0.
Who will the winner face in the semifinals?
The winner of Algeria vs. Nigeria will play the winner of Cameroon vs. Morocco.
The semi-final will be held in Rabat on January 14th.
Who is Algeria’s best player?
Winger Riyad Mahrez is widely remembered as a key member of Leicester City’s iconic Premier League winning campaign a decade ago, scoring three goals in four games and remaining an evergreen figure who stood out as a key player for Algeria.
In addition to him, forwards Ibrahim Maza (two goals) and Anis Moussa (two assists) are also making an impact in attack, and viewers should also keep an eye on Mohamed Amoula, Africa’s top scorer in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers.
Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French great Zinedine Zidane, is also a formidable presence between the sticks, keeping clean sheets in all three games so far.
Who is Nigeria’s best player?
Before the tournament, all eyes were on Osimhen, Nigeria’s star striker and talisman, but it was Lookman who stole the spotlight. Arguably the best player in the tournament, Lookman has three goals and four assists in three appearances at AFCON 2025, proving to be equally impactful as a playmaker and finisher.
In his number 10 role, Lookman acts as a link between midfield and attack, providing dangerous crosses into the box and a constant threat from long range.
Nigeria’s attacking power will be further strengthened by the masked Osimhen. Osimhen has not yet reached top gear in this tournament, but he is gradually starting to find a rhythm and scored his third goal in the last-16 encounter.
Striker Eiko Adams has emerged as an unsung hero with two assists and a goal in the last match, while Alex Iwobi is pulling the strings in midfield, with captain Wilfried Ndidi equally influential and anchoring the midfield.
Algeria and Nigeria Form Guide
Algeria: WWWWW
Nigeria: WWWWW
direct confrontation
Algeria and Nigeria have played each other 22 times in the past, including official matches and friendlies.
In terms of head-to-head results, Algeria has a slight advantage with 10 wins, while Nigeria has won 9 times. The three matches ended in a draw.
Algeria were Nigeria’s bogey team at AFCON, with four wins and two draws from their nine matches, including the 1990 championship at home, when they beat the Super Eagles 5-1.
When was the last time Algeria and Nigeria met?
The two faced each other in an international friendly match in Oran, Algeria, in September 2022. The North Africans won that match 2-1.
Has Algeria ever won an AFCON title?
yes. Algeria are two-time AFCON champions, winning the title in 1990 and 2019.
Has Nigeria ever won an AFCON title?
yes. Nigeria has won the AFCON three times, winning in 1980, 1994 and 2013.
Algeria team news
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic will be concerned about the condition of midfielder Ismael Bennacer, who left the team with an injury early in the second half in their last game.
Algeria’s expected lineup
Luca Zidane. Rafic Bergari, Aissa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini, Rayan Ait Nouri. Hisham Budawi, Ismael Bennacer, Fares Chaibi. Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, Mohamed Amoula
Nigeria team news
Nigeria head coach Eric Schell has a fully fit squad at his disposal.
Nigeria’s predicted lineup
Stanley Nwabari; Bright Osayu-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi. Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, Alex Iwobi. Ademola Lookman. Ako Adams, Victor Osimhen
