By Harry Awurumibe, Head, Abuja Bureau
It will certainly turn to a grudge match when Nigeria files out for the win or burst quarter-final match of the ongoing 35th African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco against rivals Algeria as the Super Eagles will want to banish the memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final narrow loss to the Desert Foxes in Egypt.
A Riyad Mahrez’s 95th minute curling free kick evaded the players and beat goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi, who had since that unforgettable goal retired from the national team duties. For Nigerian fans, that image of defeat still stings because that Mahrez’s goal ended their title dream.
In fact, that moment has never truly faded from the memories of Nigerian fans and even the Algeria captain himself.
But this quarter-final meeting between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes has set up a classic AFCON clash of styles in all ramifications
The Super Eagles are the highest-scoring team at AFCON 2025 with 12 goals scored in four games even as the Super Eagles are the tournament’s most entertaining side, direct and devastating in attack.
Indeed, Nigeria has scored 12 goals in four games, breezing past Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 while Atalanta BC forward Ademola Lookman has been the heartbeat of Nigeria’s attack with three goals and four assists in his name.
His compatriot Victor Osimhen continues to terrorise defences with his relentless movement on and off the ball, powerful finishing and physicality as both are getting support from Akor Adams in a “holy trinity” terrific attack combo.
With very effective Calvin Bassey alongside Semi Ajayi , Bruno Onyemaechi, Bright Osayi-Samuel in the defence, Nigeria seems to have found stability that has enabled midfielders Alexander Iwobi, Frank Onyeka and captain Wilfred Ndidi support the attack in head coach Eric Sékou Chelle’s preferred 4-3-3 formation that has earned Nigeria four victories in four matches and scoring plenty of goals.
No doubt, Nigeria’s firepower eclipses that of other teams in the tournament so far and this should worry opponents, including Algeria going into the crunchy duel in Marrakech as Super Eagles’ bench is as good as the starters.
This manifested in the third group match between Nigeria and Uganda’s Cranes, which Chelle rested the bulk of his regulars yet Super Eagles ran away 3-1 winners with midfielder Raphael Onyedika scoring a brace while goalkeeper Francis Uzoho, who returned in the number one position posted a decent performance.
In contrast, Algeria plays a different game as Desert Foxes (Les Fennecs) are built on control and patience. They have conceded just one goal in four games in the tournament and showed ice-cold composure against DR Congo, absorbing pressure before striking late to edge out the Congolese team.
Statistics showed that Algeria has an edge over Nigeria as both have faced each other five times in the last decade, with Algeria having the upper hand.
The Desert Foxes have come out on top three times, including the 2019 AFCON semi-final victory, compared to Nigeria’s one win. But this Super Eagles squad feels different, and they are desperate to finally turn the page and win Nigeria’s first AFCON trophy since 2013.
READ ALSO:
- Tinubu opens up on his health after returning to Nigeria
- Osun residents fall victim, loot warehouse after alleged cheap food scam
- Oyo Assembly backs state police, passes constitutional alteration bill
- Oyo APC expels ex-lawmaker Muraina over defection, anti-party allegations
- My grandson prefers KPMG, PwC experience before joining family business Dangote reveals
However, speaking ahead of the quarter-final tie in Marrakech tomorrow, Mahrez made it clear he is ready for another chapter in this growing rivalry.
Said he: “We haven’t conceded many opportunities, and we still know we have players who can make a difference. “Nigeria? We know them well; the game will not be easy. A free kick at the last minute again? We will see, anything is possible”.
Mahrez’s statement felt less like caution and more like a reminder that Algeria is not afraid, and history might repeat itself. But will the Super Eagles allow it?
Time will tell. Let’s go there, guys.
Go Eagles!. Go!
