Nigeria, Algeria Renew Rivalry in AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final

Nigeria and Algeria will lock horns once again at the Africa Cup of Nations, renewing one of the competition’s most storied rivalries when they meet in the quarterfinals on Saturday in Marrakech.

The Super Eagles booked their place in the last eight with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique, their twelfth quarter-final appearance since the stage was introduced in 1992.

Victor Osimhen struck twice to move within three goals of Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record, while Ademola Lookman added another and provided two assists in a performance that underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence.

Algeria advanced a day later, edging DR Congo 1–0 after extra time thanks to Baghdad Bounedjah’s decisive strike. The Desert Foxes, champions in 1990 and 2019, now stand between Nigeria and a semi-final berth, setting up a clash steeped in history.

Nigeria and Algeria have met eight times previously at AFCON, producing memorable encounters across finals, semi-finals and group stages.

Nigeria claimed their first continental crown by defeating Algeria 3–0 in the 1980 final in Lagos, while Algeria secured their maiden title in 1990 after beating Nigeria twice in the same tournament, including a 1–0 win in the final.

More recently, Riyad Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick in Cairo eliminated Nigeria in the 2019 semi-final, sending Algeria on to lift the trophy.

Saturday’s meeting promises to add another chapter to this rivalry. Nigeria arrive with momentum, unbeaten and boasting one of the tournament’s most potent attacks, while Algeria’s resilience and tournament pedigree remain unquestioned.

With a semi-final place at stake, Marrakech will host a contest that could define the trajectory of AFCON 2025.