Saturday night in Marrakech is shaping up to be more than just a quarter-final. It could be a farewell, a statement, or the start of another title charge. Victor Osimhen’s Nigeria stand in the way of Riyad Mahrez’s possible last Africa Cup of Nations dance, as Algeria and the Super Eagles collide in one of AFCON 2025’s most loaded encounters.
Mahrez, now 34, has openly hinted that this tournament in Morocco could be his final act in international football. That alone raises the stakes. Beat Nigeria and the Desert Foxes keep their dream alive. Lose, and the curtain may fall early on one of Africa’s finest careers.
Algeria chasing redemption, again
Algeria arrived in Morocco with scars. Back-to-back group-stage exits in previous AFCON editions damaged their aura. This time, they look different, calmer, tighter, more mature.
Under Vladimir Petkovic, the Fennec Foxes have rebuilt around defensive discipline. They have conceded just one goal in four matches, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane enjoying a standout tournament as his legendary father Zinedine watches from the stands.
Their Round of 16 victory over DR Congo summed up their resilience. It took 119 minutes, but Adil Boulbina’s thunderbolt finally broke the deadlock and pushed Algeria into the last eight.
At the heart of it all remains Mahrez. Three goals, leadership, control in big moments. Alongside experienced heads like Baghdad Bounedjah, Ismaël Bennacer and Ramy Bensebaini, Algeria look like a team built for knockout football. Youngsters such as Fares Chaibi have added fresh legs and belief.
And history? Algeria still remember that 2019 semi-final. Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick against Nigeria sent them to the final, and eventually the title.
Nigeria’s firepower meets its toughest test
Nigeria, though, arrive with momentum of their own. They are the tournament’s most dangerous attacking side, scoring 12 goals in four matches. Their Round of 16 demolition of Mozambique was ruthless and emphatic.
Victor Osimhen leads the line with authority, hunger and presence. Ademola Lookman has arguably been the player of the tournament so far, three goals, three assists, and constant menace from wide areas.
Yet not everything has been smooth. A visible on-pitch exchange between Osimhen and Lookman raised eyebrows, while reports of unpaid bonuses briefly threatened to distract the Super Eagles camp. The players have since downplayed the noise, insisting the focus remains on football.
On the pitch, Eric Chelle’s Nigeria look re-energised. Off the pitch, questions linger. Defensively too, there are cracks, four goals conceded in four matches is not the profile of a flawless contender.
Still, Nigeria know how to survive this stage. They have reached the AFCON semi-finals a joint-record 16 times. When it comes to navigating pressure, few nations do it better.
Head-to-head adds spice: This rivalry is finely balanced:
- Total meetings: 21
- Nigeria wins: 9
- Algeria wins: 7
- Draws: 5
But recent history favours Algeria, who have won the last three meetings, including that unforgettable 2019 semi-final heartbreak for Nigeria.
Mahrez’s possible last stand
Speaking ahead of the clash, Mahrez did not hide the emotion.
“Every major tournament is special,” he said. “I think this will be my last Africa Cup of Nations. Right now, my focus is only on the next game. I want to give everything for our country, our supporters and our families.”
More than 100 caps. League titles in England. A Champions League medal. One AFCON crown already in the cabinet. Mahrez has nothing left to prove, except maybe one last run, one last lift of the trophy.
Algeria would love nothing more than to give their captain a fairytale send-off. Nigeria, led by Osimhen, have other plans.
Final word
This is not just Algeria vs Nigeria. It is experience vs explosiveness. Control vs chaos. Legacy vs ambition. If Algeria win, Mahrez marches on, closer to a storybook ending. If Nigeria win, Osimhen may be the man who forces a legend into retirement. Either way, AFCON is about to lose, or crown, something special.
LINE-UPS
Algeria XI:
Zidane, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri, Zerrouki, Boudaoui, Chaibi, Amoura, Maza, Mahrez,
Nigeria XI:
Nwabali, Osayi, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Ndidi, Iwobi, Onyeka, Lookman, Osimhen, Adams.
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