The eagerly awaited Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final between Algeria vs Nigeria is set for Saturday, January 10, 2026, at 5:00 PM WAT (11:00 AM ET). The quarterfinal match hosted at Stade de Marrakech in Marrakesh, Morocco, this high-stakes clash revives a fierce rivalry, pitting the 2019 champions Algeria against three-time winners Nigeria in a battle for a semi-final spot.
Algeria advanced with a dramatic 1-0 extra-time win over DR Congo, thanks to Adil Boulbina’s thunderous strike in the 119th minute. Coach Vladimir Petkovic has doubts over midfielder Ismael Bennacer (injured), with confirmed absences including Houssem Aouar, Mohamed Amoura (injured), and others like Hadjam, Chergui, and Tougai.
The Desert Warriors topped their group unbeaten and aim to leverage their defensive resilience, conceding just one goal in the tournament so far.
Nigeria secured their quarter-final berth with a convincing 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique, led by Victor Osimhen’s brace.
Coach Augustine Eguavoen reports no major new injuries, allowing focus on their potent attack that has scored 12 goals in four matches. The Super Eagles seek revenge for the 2019 semi-final loss to Algeria, emphasizing quick transitions in this neutral-venue showdown.
Algeria vs Nigeria Kick-off, Team News, Probable XIs & Prediction
| Match | Cameroon vs Morocco |
|---|---|
| Competition | AFCON 2025 – Quarter-final |
| Date | Friday, 10 January 2026 |
| Kick-off | 20:00 local / 19:00 GMT |
| Venue | Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat |
Algeria vs Nigeria Head-to-Head
Algeria and Nigeria have a competitive history with several memorable tournament clashes. Recent continental meetings have been close — both teams know each other well — so while history adds spice, form and selection on the day will be the decisive factors.
Overall Head-to-Head Record
Algeria holds a slight edge with 10 wins to Nigeria’s 9 wins, with 3 matches ending in a draw
| Team | Wins | Draws | Losses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Algeria | 10 | 3 | 9 |
| Nigeria | 9 | 3 | 10 |
Team News & Form
Algeria
- How did Algeria reach the quarterfinals?
- Algeria progressed via a 1–0 extra-time win over DR Congo — the decisive goal came late from substitute Adel Boulbina. That win showed resilience, but also that Algeria can be pinned back.
- Injury/availability notes: Some outlets report fitness doubts for a key Algeria player ahead of the clash (monitor official updates from the Algerian FA); coach will weigh fresh legs after extra time. Algeria have used a fluid 4-3-3/4-2-3-1 balance in the tournament.
Nigeria
- Form: Nigeria advanced after a convincing win in their last-16 tie and arrive with multiple attacking options — Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been highlighted across previews as core threats.
- Off-field note: Reports during the tournament flagged a temporary dispute over bonus payments that briefly affected preparations — keep an eye on team morale headlines before kick-off.
Tactical Brief
- Algeria: Likely to prioritise structured possession and patience — defend compact, use midfield rotation to create openings and threaten from set pieces. Substitutions late in games have been decisive for them this tournament.
- Nigeria: Expect high tempo, wing penetration and quick transitions. Nigeria are most dangerous when running in behind and combining their front three; the Super Eagles can also score from second balls and fast counters.
Algeria vs Nigeria Predicted XI Lineups
- Algeria Predicted XI (4-3-3): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Abdelli, Maza; Mahrez, Amoura, Chaibi.
This lineup prioritizes midfield control and Mahrez’s creativity for counters.
- Nigeria Predicted XI (4-3-3): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi, Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman, Osimhen, Adams.
Nigeria’s formation emphasizes width and Osimhen’s threat upfront.
Key Players
For Algeria, Riyad Mahrez (3 goals in tournament) is the creative force, with Rayan Ait-Nouri providing defensive flair and Luca Zidane in goal.
Nigeria relies on Victor Osimhen (tournament-leading scorer) for goals, Alex Iwobi for midfield vision, and William Troost-Ekong for leadership at the back.
Match Prediction of Algeria vs Nigeria
Both African teams boast top-tier attackers and clear paths to the goal. Previews suggest a tight, high-energy clash, with many predicting a Nigerian win or at least goals from both sides. Considering Nigeria’s offensive strength and Algeria’s steady recent form, giving the Super Eagles a slight edge seems fair.
- Predicted Score: Algeria 1–2 Nigeria — expect goals at both ends and a game decided by one moment or a counterattack.
Where to watch the Algeria vs Nigeria quarter-final match?
- Global: beIN Sports / regional AFCON rights holders and streaming partners (coverage varies by territory).
- Live updates: use FWCN, FotMob or the CAF match centre for line-ups and minute-by-minute coverage.
- UK: Africa Cup of Nations. Stream free on Channel 4.
- USA: beIN SPORTS
