Petkovic Relishes Algeria Vs Nigeria AFCON 2025 Quarter-final Showdown
Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic says he is eager for the challenge of facing Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles stormed into the last eight with a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday, while Algeria joined them a day later after edging DR Congo in extra time thanks to Adil Boulbina’s dramatic 118th-minute strike.
The clash at Marrakech Stadium on Saturday is being billed as one of the standout fixtures of the tournament. Both sides have impressed in Morocco, topping their groups with maximum points and showcasing consistency throughout.
It is a battle of contrasts: Nigeria boast the most prolific attack of the competition, scoring 12 goals in four matches, while Algeria have the tournament’s meanest defence, conceding just once.
The Super Eagles may also enjoy a slight physical edge, having played a day earlier and avoiding the draining 120 minutes endured by the Fennecs against DR Congo.
Despite that, Petkovic remains upbeat. ‘We will start preparing for the match against Nigeria now by focusing on our strengths,’ he told reporters. ‘I like these types of games because they require hard work and intensity against teams that are aiming for the title.’
