AFCON 2025: Stars Set To Decide Super Eagles–Algeria Clash
By FRED LONGJOHN OBEH
STAR POWER AT THE BUSINESS END
NIGERIA’S march at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations faces its sternest test yet as the Super Eagles lock horns with Algeria in a heavyweight quarter-final at the Stade de Marrakech.
Fresh from a ruthless 4–0 demolition of Mozambique in Fès, Nigeria step into a clash that blends pedigree, rivalry, and fine margins. Algeria, unbeaten and disciplined, stand between the Super Eagles and a place in the semi-finals of a tournament now stripped down to its elite.
With Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, and Mali also in the last eight, AFCON 2025 has reached a stage where individual brilliance often outweighs tactics. For Nigeria and Algeria, five players appear primed to define the contest.
Algeria’s hopes once again rest heavily on Riyad Mahrez. The veteran winger has scored three goals already and remains the creative heartbeat of the Fennec Foxes. His intelligence and dead-ball mastery still haunt Nigerian fans after his late free-kick heartbreak in the 2019 semi-final.
Nigeria, however, arrive with firepower of their own. Ademola Lookman has been the tournament’s most decisive attacker so far, producing three goals and four assists in just three games. His pace, movement, and end product have made him nearly unplayable.
Behind Algeria’s defence stands Luca Zidane, whose calm presence has anchored a miserly backline. With three clean sheets and only one goal conceded, the goalkeeper may prove the toughest obstacle for Nigeria’s prolific attack.
Victor Osimhen brings raw intensity to Nigeria’s frontline. The striker’s pressing, physicality, and instinct have yielded three goals, while his pursuit of the Super Eagles’ all-time scoring record adds extra motivation.
Completing the cast is Alex Iwobi, Nigeria’s quiet conductor. His passing range and control of tempo could be decisive if Algeria focus too narrowly on stopping Nigeria’s more celebrated forwards.
In Marrakech, where tension will be unforgiving, moments — and men — will decide who advances.
