Chelle, Petković Talk Tough Ahead of Super Eagles Vs Fennecs AFCON 2025 Showdown
The stage is set for a blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations clash as Nigeria’s Super Eagles face Algeria’s Fennecs at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, January 11, 2025. Kick-off is scheduled for 5pm in Morocco’s fourth largest city.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has urged focus and unity within his squad, stressing that the team’s priority is qualification rather than dwelling on past encounters.
‘It’s crucial for me to maintain focus on the pitch. While energy matters, the mindset is paramount. Our group will remain united,’ Chelle said.
‘This match is critical against a formidable opponent. I hold a deep respect for this Algerian team; their staff operates with exceptional professionalism. I’m not dwelling on revenge for 2019. My priority is to compete fiercely and secure qualification.’
Nigeria last met Algeria at AFCON in the 2019 semi-final in Cairo, where Riyad Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick sealed a dramatic 2-1 win for the North Africans.
Algeria’s manager, Bosnian-Swiss Vladimir Petković, is equally confident, insisting his side has the quality to extend their dominance over Nigeria, who have not beaten the Fennecs since a 3-1 victory in a 2018 World Cup qualifier in Uyo.
‘The most important thing is the state of mind. It all starts from there, and from that point of view, we are irreproachable,’ Petković said.
‘Tomorrow, we need to be just as good defensively as offensively. All the details will matter against Nigeria. Nothing should be left to chance. We believe in ourselves and we just have to play a big game.’
Saturday’s encounter will mark the 25th senior-level meeting between the two sides. Algeria have won 10 times, Nigeria nine, with five draws.
One of those stalemates came at the 1988 AFCON semi-final in Morocco, which Nigeria eventually won 9-8 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regulation and extra time.
Samuel Okwaraji’s deflected strike gave Nigeria the lead before Rachid Maatar equalised late on, but Peter Rufai’s decisive save from Lakhdar Belloumi sealed the Eagles’ passage to the final.
