Algeria’s team captain, Riyad Mahrez, has talked about one of the most memorable moments in Africa Cup of Nations history, which involved Nigeria.
He remembered a game that is still very special to him, his teammates, and his country.
Mahrez spoke during a press conference on Friday, a day before their quarter final match against the Super Eagles in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The Algerian team captain said Nigeria is a team they know well, talking about past games in the Afcon and during friendly matches.
Mahrez said those meetings, especially in the continental competition, created strong memories because of how important they were for Algeria on the world stage.
“Well, obviously when you think about Nigeria, we played them in the African Cup in 2019, and we also played them in a friendly match.
“You definitely can’t forget that moment for me and for the team, for our country.”
The moment Mahrez talked about happened during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, a game that has since become one of the most important matches in the competition’s history.
In that match, Algeria beat Nigeria 2–1 with Mahrez scoring a crucial free-kick in the last moments of stoppage time, which helped Algeria win and prevented Nigeria from making it to the final.
“It was an incredible moment. It’s always nice to play against a big and strong team. I’m really happy to be back at this stage and to play against a team like Nigeria again.
“That’s where big players belongs. I’m really excited and looking forward to the game because I know it’s going to be a great game to watch and to play.”
It was triple delight for Nigeria Football at the just concluded Confederation African Sports Supporters meeting in Casablanca, Morocco. President General of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club, Dr Rafiu Ladipo was appointed Patron of the Continental Supporters Group.
The body also picked Nigeria to host it’s maiden award night billed for March in Lagos with Reverend Samuel Ikpea, National Chairman of Nigeria Football Supporters Club chosen to head the local organizing committee. The meeting was attended by over 36 countries including Nigeria,with some joining online.
In his acceptance speech, Ladipo pledged more support for Confederation of African sports Supporters Club and call for more collaboration among Supporters Club in the continent .He urged sports supporters club to stay away from violence act .
“We had a fruitful meeting today attended by 36 countries and we have agreed to hold the maiden award in Lagos .Nigeria was chosen as host by the 36 countries because of the tremendous role of the Nigeria Football Supporters Club.
They believe in Nigeria capacity to organize successful and colourful event and most especially the chairman of the local organizing committee Rev Samuel Ikpea.CASS is one body and the only body recognize by CAF as the umbrella body of all supporters club in Africa.”
Algeria head coach, Vladimir Petković, admitted that his team must be at their best to stop Nigeria in their quarter-final fixture.
The two former champions will battle for a place in the semi-final at the Grande Stade de Marrakech on Saturday. Nigeria have impressed in Morocco with the likes of Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen scoring for fun. Alex Iwobi, Wilfred Ndidi, Akor Adams, and Calvin Bassey have also caught the eye.
Eric Chelle’s side alongside Algeria are the only team yet to taste defeat at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Petković said it is important for his side to be good offensively and defensively.
“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 during his interaction with the media on Friday. “We have the reliability and the quality. We need to be just as good defensively as offensively. That will be paramount.”
Hosts Morocco booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a composed 2–0 victory over Cameroon in Friday’s quarter-final encounter, keeping alive their dream of lifting a first continental title in 50 years.
Brahim Diaz once again proved decisive, scoring for the fifth consecutive match at the tournament to put the Atlas Lions ahead. Ismael Saibari added the second as Morocco delivered another efficient, if unspectacular, performance, converting two of their three shots on target.
While Morocco controlled large spells of the contest, clear-cut chances were few and far between.
Cameroon had a strong appeal for a penalty waved away in the second half following what appeared to be a foul on Bryan Mbeumo. However, the Indomitable Lions struggled in the final third and failed to register a single save from Moroccan goalkeeper Yassine Bounou over the 90 minutes.
The Atlas Lions will now turn their attention to the semi-finals, where they are set to face the winner of Saturday’s quarter-final clash between Algeria and Nigeria. The last-four tie will be played in Rabat on Wednesday.
Senegal secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after grinding out a 1–0 victory over a 10-man Mali at the Grand Stade de Tanger.
The decisive moment came in the 28th minute when Iliman Ndiaye pounced on a costly error from Mali goalkeeper Djigui Diarra, calmly slotting the ball home to give the Teranga Lions the lead.
Mali’s task became even tougher late in the first half as captain Yves Bissouma was shown a red card for a reckless challenge on Idrissa Gueye, leaving the Eagles a man down.
Despite the setback, Mali pressed aggressively after the restart in search of an equaliser, but Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy stood firm to deny them. Senegal, meanwhile, threatened on the counter-attack and could have extended their lead, only for Diarra to redeem himself with a series of saves.
Senegal will now face the winner of the quarter-final showdown between Egypt and Ivory Coast in the last four. The semi-final encounter is scheduled to take place in Tanger next Wednesday.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final tie between the Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria is more than a game; it is a meeting of history, pride and unfinished business. As both nations renew one of African football’s fiercest rivalries in Marrakech, past wounds, present form and future ambitions collide what promises to be a match full of drama, intensity and defining moments writes TUNDE LIADI …
When the Super Eagles of Nigeria step onto the pristine turf of the Stade de Marrakech tomorrow, they will not just be facing Algeria’s Fennecs; they will be confronting decades of shared history, unresolved grudges and a rivalry that has shaped African football for more than half a century.
Former Super Eagles goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi perhaps summed it up best with a proverb that has echoed across generations of African sport: “When two elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers.”
Akpeyi, a bronze medallist at the 2019 AFCON in Egypt , believes tomorrow’s contest will be nothing short of brutal.
“That is what is going to happen between Nigeria and Algeria. It is going to be a tough game and the Super Eagles must be ready to fight to be victorious.”
Indeed, tomorrow’s quarter-final will be the 23rd senior-level meeting between Nigeria and Algeria since their first clash at the All-Africa Games in Lagos in 1971. It will also be their 10th meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations, a competition where both sides have repeatedly crossed paths at defining moments.
Nigeria have won only three of the previous nine AFCON meetings, while Algeria have claimed four victories, with two draws – including the infamous 1984 “Bouaké Accord”, a scoreless draw that eliminated defending champions Ghana and still stirs controversy four decades later.
Their AFCON rivalry swings between extremes. Nigeria’s glorious 1980 triumph in Lagos, sealed by goals from Segun Odegbami and Mudashiru Lawal, delivered the country’s first continental crown. Ten years later, the pendulum swung forcefully in Algeria’s favour as the Fennecs defeated Nigeria twice on home soil in 1990, including the final that handed them their maiden continental title.
More recently, the rivalry was reignited in Cairo 2019, when Riyad Mahrez’s stoppage-time free kick shattered Nigerian hearts in the semi-final. That wound remains fresh, and tomorrow offers the Super Eagles a chance at a long-awaited revenge.
Perfect records, different paths
Both teams arrive in Marrakech for this decisive AFCON 2025 quarter-finals with a somewhat identical records : four wins from four matches, yet their journeys have been stylistically different.
Nigeria have been the tournament’s most exhilarating attacking force. Twelve goals in four games, a dominant 4–0 Round-of-16 demolition of Mozambique and the most fluid attacking play seen from the Super Eagles in years have made them favourites in many quarters.
Former Super Eagles captain Segun Odegbami believes Morocco itself has played a decisive role in Nigeria’s resurgence.
“What made the difference for a group of great players that have struggled for years to find their rhythm?” Odegbami asked. “The answer is so simple it’s almost too good to be true.”
According to the 1980 AFCON hero, the immaculate Moroccan pitches have allowed the gifted Nigerian players to finally express themselves.
“The single most important, yet least acknowledged, factor is the immaculate playing surface,” Odegbami explained. “Morocco has invested in some of the best football pitches in the world, and these pitches allow every pass, every movement, to become a work of art.”
Algeria, by contrast, have built their campaign on defensive steel. They have conceded just one goal in four matches and none with Luca Zidane, the son of the legendary French International, Zinedine Zidane, in goal.
Zidane’s wall vs. Nigeria’s firepower
The looming tactical battle may revolve around Luca Zidane, the tournament’s only goalkeeper yet to concede a goal. Since switching allegiance to Algeria in September 2025, the 27-year-old has delivered three clean sheets and decisive saves, most notably in the extra-time victory over DR Congo.
But tomorrow, standing in his way is arguably the most feared attacking duo in African football: Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Lookman, the immediate African Footballer of the Year, has already registered three goals and four assists, while Osimhen has matched him goal-for-goal.
Yet Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has acknowledged the danger Nigeria pose but remains calm.
“Nigeria?” he asked rhetorically.“ We know them well, the match will not be easy.
“But we stayed solid against DR Congo, and that discipline can be decisive again.”
Asked about another dramatic moment like his 2019 free kick, Mahrez smiled knowingly:
“A free kick in the last minute again? We’ll see; anything is possible,” he added.
Camp tensions and self-destruction button
Despite Nigeria’s brilliance on the pitch, clouds have hovered over their camp. Reports of unresolved bonus payments have triggered memories of the ill-fated 2026 World Cup playoff defeat to the DR Congo in November last year, where similar disputes preceded elimination.
Former midfielder Friday Ekpo, a bronze medallist at Senegal 1992 with the Super Eagles, expressed deep frustration.
“It is a pity that we always fall into this line every now and then,” Ekpo said. “Issues regarding match bonuses should have been sorted to make the players happy, eager and motivated.”
Ex-defender Sam Sodje was even more direct.
“If it is true, then something is wrong,” he warned. “We can’t be talking about bonuses at this stage. We saw what non-payment did to us during the World Cup playoff. We don’t need that again.”
Yet Sodje remains optimistic: “With their performance so far, we have a big chance of winning this AFCON. We have one of the best strike forces in the world. Whoever is in charge must do what is needed.”
Nevertheless, immediate past Super Eagles’ captain, William Troost-Ekong who was the MVP at the 2023 AFCON in Cote d’Ivoire, has thrown his full support behind the national team, urging them to seize a golden opportunity and bring home the AFCON 2025 trophy.
The experienced defender believes the current squad has both the quality and mentality to go all the way in Morocco, adding Nigeria head into a high-profile quarter-final clash against Algeria with momentum firmly on their side, having recorded a flawless run of four wins from four matches.
The former Watford defender officially retired from international football in December, just weeks before the competition kicked off, bringing the curtain down on a distinguished decade-long international career with Nigeria.
In an emotional statement released, Troost-Ekong reflected on his journey in the green and white colours. “December was a deeply personal and emotional month for me, as I officially stepped away from international football after 10 unforgettable years representing Nigeria,” he wrote. “To have worn the green and white for a decade, and to have captained my country, is something I will carry with pride for the rest of my life.”
Despite stepping away from active duty, the former captain made it clear his bond with the Super Eagles remains intact.
He added: “However, as one chapter closes, my support for the Super Eagles will never fade. Watching Nigeria play with hunger, personality and belief filled me with pride. The talent is there, the spirit is strong, and I have no doubt the team will continue to inspire millions back home.”
Meanwhile, Super Eagles midfielder Frank Onyeka has sent a strong message ahead of the ‘battle of Marrakech’, insisting the team remains focused on its own objectives rather than the strength of Algeria.
“I don’t care what opponent. We are just focusing on ourselves,” Onyeka said during his post-match interview after the Super Eagles’ emphatic 4-0 defeat of Mozambique in their 16th Round encounter last Monday at the Complexe Sportif de Fès.
When pressed further, the combative midfielder doubled down on his stance. “That is it,” he added briefly, reinforcing Nigeria’s mind-set as one built on discipline, unity, and self-belief rather than fear of opposition.
Onyeka also provided a positive update on his fitness ahead of the quarter-final.
“I’m fully fit,” he confirmed, offering a boost to coach Eric Chelle as Nigeria prepare for a crucial test against the Desert Warriors in their quest for the fourth continental glory.
Indeed, this will not be a routine quarter-final as history, form and emotion converge in Marrakech but one thing certainty stands out for the two African giants.
While Nigeria seek revenge, continuity and a fourth AFCON crown, Algeria will aim to maintain a tradition that has twice seen them defeat Nigeria on their way to lifting the continental silverware.
But as Akpeyi warned, when elephants fight, the grass suffers. Tomorrow’s night in Marrakech, promises to be an unforgettable spectacle.
HEAD-TO-HEAD: Super Eagles, Fennecs in history:
10 Jan 1973: Nigeria 2-2 Algeria (All-Africa Games: Lagos)
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches the quarter-final stage this weekend with a series of mouthwatering ties between the continent’s heavyweights. AFP Sport picks out five stars enjoying their first AFCON to look out for in the last eight:
AKOR ADAMS (SEVILLA/NIGERIA)
The big 25-year-old striker is a great addition to a fearsome Nigerian attack led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Adams, who joined La Liga side Sevilla from Montpellier a year ago, was not part of the Super Eagles set-up until October, when he scored on his debut in World Cup qualifying against Lesotho.
He started the first two games in Morocco as Nigeria sealed a last-16 berth, before being rotated out of the team against Uganda. But he returned for the 4-0 demolition of Mozambique on Monday and played a starring role with a goal and an assist as Eric Chelle’s team set up a showdown with Algeria.
BRAHIM DIAZ (REAL MADRID/MOROCCO)
Moroccans were perhaps pinning their hopes of Cup of Nations glory on home soil on skipper Achraf Hakimi. But while the African player of the year hardly featured in the group stage as he recovered from injury, Diaz wasted no time in becoming their key man.
Diaz, 26, has scored in every game including the crucial strike to beat Tanzania in the last 16. That makes him the tournament’s leading marksman on four goals.
Born in Malaga, Diaz was capped by Spain at full international level in 2021 but later switched allegiance to Morocco, from where his father hails. The ex-Manchester City and AC Milan winger broke into the Atlas Lions’ side shortly after the last AFCON in 2024 and will have an important part to play against Cameroon today.
CHRISTIAN KOFANE (LEVERKUSEN/CAMEROON)
Cameroon appear to be in permanent turmoil these days but they have so far enjoyed a successful AFCON with a number of exciting young players to the fore. None more so than Kofane, the 19-year-old forward from Douala who joined Bayer Leverkusen ahead of this campaign from Albacete in Spain’s second tier.
Teenage forward Christian Kofane has wasted no time making an impact for Cameroon
He has started 10 games for Leverkusen this season, scoring against the likes of Borussia Dortmund and in the Champions League against PSV Eindhoven. Those performances convinced new Indomitable Lions coach David Pagou to include him in his squad to go to Morocco.
Kofane made his first appearance in the 1-1 draw with Cote d’Ivoire before netting the winner against Mozambique in the final group game and then the goal that secured a 2-1 success over South Africa in the last 16.
IBRAHIM MBAYE (PSG /SENEGAL)
The 17-year-old PSG winger hails from the suburbs of the French capital and represented France at youth international level before deciding in the run-up to the Cup of Nations to play for Senegal, his father’s country of origin.
Mbaye, who has made 20 appearances for European champions PSG this season, was therefore handed a debut for the Lions of Teranga in a November friendly defeat by Brazil.
He has gone on to have a significant impact for Senegal in Morocco, showing that he belongs among the likes of Sadio Mane and Iliman Ndiaye.
Mbaye came off the bench to set up his team’s equaliser in a 1-1 draw with DR Congo, and set up a goal as a substitute in the 3-0 win over Benin. Again appearing from the bench, Mbaye scored the third goal in the 3-1 win over Sudan in the last 16. His side face Mali in the last eight on Friday.
IBRAHIM MAZA (LEVERKUSEN/ALGERIA):
“Mazadona” has been thrilling on Algeria’s run to the quarters. The 20-year-old Berlin-born attacking midfielder represented Germany as a youth but has Algerian heritage and opted in late 2024 to play for them after impressive performances for Hertha Berlin.
Maza, who joined Leverkusen ahead of this season for a reported 12 million euros ($14m), has had a huge impact for Algeria playing behind the striker.
He came off the bench to score in their opening win against Sudan and has started every game since, picking up the man of the match prize against Burkina Faso and finding the net against Equatorial Guinea. A future superstar.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match between Nigeria and Algeria, Goldberg Lager Beer is placing fans at the heart of the football experience with the return of its Festival of Drums and Lights under the Our Beat, Our Gold campaign.
The Super Eagles will be battling it out against the Desert Foxes tomorrow, 10th January, and Goldberg is set to host a major fan experience at the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Social Development (PAKO Field), Awe Close, Dopemu, Lagos.
The activation will open at 3:00 p.m., ahead of the 5:00 p.m. kick-off, giving fans enough time to soak in the atmosphere before the Super Eagles take on a familiar North African rival.
While the Super Eagles prepare for what promises to be a tough quarter-final tie against Algeria, Goldberg’s focus remains on creating a space where Nigerians can come together, connect and express their shared love for football.
Following the strong response recorded during Nigeria’s emphatic win over Mozambique, the brand is bringing back its Festival of Drums and Lights, a celebration that blends football with music, culture and community spirit.
The experience is designed to reflect the rhythm and emotion that surround Super Eagles match days.
“Our Beat, Our Gold is about how Nigerians live football,” said Kunle Aroyehun, Senior Brand Manager, Goldberg. “It’s in the sounds, the drums, the lights, the conversations and the belief we share. With the Festival of Drums and Lights, we are simply creating the right environment for fans to feel that connection as the Super Eagles push for a fourth AFCON title.”
The Dopemu venue will come alive with colour, rhythm and live performances, offering fans more than just a place to watch the match.
Music acts Mavo, Zlatan Ibile and Segun Johnson will perform live, adding energy to the build-up and keeping the mood alive throughout the evening.
“Get ready to feel the heat,” Aroyehun said. “This is not just about ninety or 120 minutes of football. It’s about celebrating the journey, the culture and the fans who stand behind the team every step of the way.”
Goldberg’s Festival of Drums and Lights is part of a wider effort to deepen fan engagement throughout AFCON 2025.
As the Official Beer and Sponsor of the Super Eagles, the brand has activated viewing centres and match-day experiences across Lagos and beyond, giving supporters safe and welcoming spaces to watch games together with ice-cold Goldberg Lager Beer in hand.
Backed by Nigerian Breweries Plc since 2018, Goldberg has built a lasting presence in Nigerian football, playing a key role in growing Super Eagles followership across the country.
Ahead of the Algeria clash, the Super Eagles will be banking on discipline, belief and collective effort as they aim to book a place in the semi-finals.
Algeria have long been one of Africa’s strongest teams, making the quarter-final a major test in Nigeria’s quest for continental glory.
For Goldberg, however, the message is clear: whatever the outcome, the fans remain central.
“Football has a special power to unite us,” Aroyehun said. “As the Super Eagles step onto the pitch, we want Nigerians to feel proud, connected and fully part of the moment. That is what Our Beat, Our Gold stands for.”
This Saturday in Dopemu, Goldberg will bring drums, lights and fans together as the Festival of Drums and Lights turns match day into a moment of football, culture and support for the Super Eagles.
The Super Eagles will continue their Africa Cup of Nations campaign tomorrow at 5:00 pm in Marrakesh, where they face Algeria in the quarter-finals. The match, alongside all AFCON games will be broadcast live on SuperSport on DStv and GOtv.
Nigeria progressed to the last eight with the most emphatic result of the Round of 16, recording a 4–0 victory over Mozambique. Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams were all on the score sheet, while Alex Iwobi controlled midfield proceedings in a performance that reinforced the Super Eagles’ attacking depth.
The win also saw Nigeria become the first team in AFCON history to record victories in their opening four matches of a single tournament. With 12 goals scored so far, they enter the quarter-finals as the competition’s leading attacking side, though focus has briefly shifted to a minor on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman during the Mozambique match.
Despite the incident, Nigeria’s overall momentum remains intact as they prepare for a more demanding test against Algeria on Saturday at 5:00 pm.
Algeria arrive with a different profile, advancing after a 1–0 extra-time win over DR Congo and conceding just one goal across the tournament. Their progress has been built on defensive structure and game management rather than attacking volume, setting up a tactical contrast against Nigeria’s fluid front line.
History adds further significance to the meeting. Algeria have held a slight edge over Nigeria in previous AFCON encounters, including the 2019 semi-final decided by a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick. Past tournaments have often produced narrow margins between the two sides, reinforcing the sense of a closely matched rivalry.
The quarter-final schedule begins on today, with Mali facing Senegal at 5:00 pm, followed by Cameroon against Morocco at 8:00 pm. On Saturday, Nigeria face Algeria before Egypt meet defending champions Ivory Coast at 8:00 pm.
All quarter-final matches will be broadcast live on the SuperSport AFCON channel on DStv Channel 202 and GOtv Channel 59, with Open Access available to DStv Yanga and GOtv Jolli subscribers.
As the tournament narrows to its final contenders, attacking momentum, defensive discipline and decision-making under pressure are set to define which teams advance beyond the last eight.
