AFCON 2025: Nigeria Set for Blockbuster Quarter-Final Clash with Algeria

The stage is set for a heavyweight showdown at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as Nigeria’s Super Eagles will face Algeria in the quarter-finals of the tournament.

Algeria booked their place in the last eight after edging past the Democratic Republic of Congo with a dramatic 1–0 extra-time victory on Tuesday. The tightly contested Round of 16 encounter remained goalless after 90 minutes and looked destined for penalties until Adil Boulbina produced a moment of brilliance in the 118th minute, cutting in from the left before firing home the decisive goal.

Nigeria, on the other hand, arrived at this stage in emphatic fashion. Eric Chelle’s men dismantled Mozambique 4–0 on Monday night in Fez, delivering one of the most convincing performances of the knockout round and underlining their growing confidence in the competition.

The eagerly anticipated quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria will take place on Saturday, January 10, with kick-off scheduled for 5:00 pm local time.

Opinion: A True Test of Super Eagles’ Title Credentials

This fixture has all the ingredients of a classic AFCON encounter. Nigeria come in with momentum, goals, and belief, while Algeria arrive battle-hardened after surviving a tense, energy-draining contest against DR Congo.

For the Super Eagles, this match represents more than just a path to the semi-finals—it is a chance to exorcise past demons and make a bold statement to the rest of the continent. Algeria are tactically disciplined, resilient, and dangerous on the counter, but Nigeria’s blend of pace, power, and attacking depth gives them reason to be confident.

However, knockout football is unforgiving. One moment of brilliance—like Boulbina’s late strike—can decide everything. If Nigeria can maintain their composure, control the midfield, and remain ruthless in front of goal, they stand a strong chance of advancing.

Saturday’s encounter is not just a quarter-final; it is a measuring stick for Nigeria’s AFCON ambition. Win it, and the Super Eagles announce themselves as genuine title favourites.