Three-time African champions Nigeria face Algeria in a blockbuster quarter-final clash at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with both sides eyeing a place in the semi-finals.
The Super Eagles arrive in fine form after a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the Round of 16, while the Desert Foxes had to dig deep, relying on a dramatic late strike from Adil Boulbina to edge past DR Congo after extra time.
Beyond the immediate prize of a last-four berth, this encounter pits two of the tournament’s standout teams against each other. Nigeria and Algeria are the only nations to have won all their matches so far.
Eric Chelle’s men have been particularly impressive in attack, scoring 12 goals across four games, and will look to maintain that momentum against a disciplined Algerian defence. Vladimir Petkovic’s men have conceded just once in the same number of matches, highlighting their defensive solidity.
History adds another layer of intrigue to the contest. Algeria hold a narrow edge in AFCON meetings, having recorded four wins to Nigeria’s three, with two encounters ending level across nine previous clashes.
The most recent meeting at the tournament still lingers in memory, as Riyad Mahrez inspired the Desert Foxes to a 2–1 victory over Nigeria in the semi-finals en route to lifting the title in 2019.
Below, Flashscore provides all the essential information ahead of the clash, including broadcast details, potential lineups, and more.
When is the Africa Cup of Nations match?
The match between Nigeria and Algeria is scheduled for 20:00 (West African Time) on Saturday, January 10th.
Where can you watch the game on TV?
Channels: SuperSport, AfroSport, NTA, beIN Sports
Nigeria squad
Goalkeepers: Stanley Nwabali (Chippa Utd), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho(Omonia)
Defenders: Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)
Midfielders: Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Besiktas), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)
Forwards: Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961).
Nigeria's possible XI: Nwabali, Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen, Adams
Algeria squad
Goalkeepers: Oussama Benbot (USM Alger), Anthony Mandrea (SM Caen), Luca Zidane (Granada)
Defenders: Rayan Ait-Nouri (Manchester City), Rafik Belghali (Hellas Verona), Youcef Atal (Al Saad), Mehdi Dorval (Bari), Aissa Mandi (Lille), Samir Chergui (Paris FC), Mohamed Tougai (ES Tunis), Ramy Bensebaini (Dortmund), Zinedine Belaid (US Kabylie), Jaouen Hadjam (Young Boys)
Midfielders: Ismael Bennacer (Dinamo Zagreb), Ramiz Zerrouki (FC Twente), Hicham Boudaoui (Nice), Fares Chaibi (Eintracht Frankfurt), Houssem Aouar (Al Ittihad), Ibrahim Maza (Bayer Leverkusen), Adem Zorgane (Royale Union Saint-Gilloise)
Forwards: Mohamed Amoura (Wolfsburg), Baghdad Bounedjah (Al Shamal), Adil Boulbina (Al Duhail), Moncef Bakrar (Dinamo Zagreb), Redouane Berkane (Al Wakrah), Anis Hadj Moussa (Feyenoord), Ilan Kebbal (Paris FC), Riyad Mahrez (Al Ahli)
Algeria's possible XI: Zidane, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri, Boudaoui, Bennacer, Chaibi, Mahrez, Maza, Amoura
Where is the match?
Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh
This is a modern multi-purpose sports venue located in Marrakesh, Morocco. Designed by the Italian architectural firm Gregotti Associati, the stadium was completed in January 2012 and primarily hosts football matches, while also being equipped to stage major athletics events, including the Olympic Games.
It serves as the home ground of Kawkab Marrakesh, replacing the historic Stade Al Harti as both the club’s base and the city’s main stadium.
With a seating capacity of 45,240 spectators, Marrakesh Stadium has hosted several high-profile international competitions. These include the 2014 IAAF Continental Cup, the 2014 African Championships in Athletics, and four matches, including the final, at the 2014 FIFA Club World Cup.
The stadium has also been listed among the potential host stadiums for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which Morocco will co-host alongside Spain and Portugal.
What has been said ahead of the match?
Moses Simon has revealed that Nigeria’s painful defeat to Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations is still a topic of discussion within the Super Eagles camp.
The winger says the memory remains fresh as Super Eagles prepare for the opportunity to exact revenge when both sides meet again on Saturday.
That semi-final clash was poised at 1-1 and heading for extra time before the North African were awarded a late free-kick just outside Nigeria’s 18-yard box, a moment that ultimately proved decisive.
"Of course we are aware of it. I was there and part of the team when we were knocked out in the semi-finals, but this is a different era with a different mindset, for us and for Algeria as well," Simon told the media.
"We have talked about that AFCON 2019 defeat, but it’s in the past. Right now, we are focused on the present. There are many young players in the squad who are eager to make a name for themselves.
"We are highly motivated. We don’t just want to compete - we want to win. That is our mindset, and I believe we can achieve it."
Meanwhile, Algeria defender Rayan Ait-Nouri has admitted he expects a tough battle against the Super Eagles.
"The game will be very tough," he told the media.
"We know Nigeria is a very difficult opponent, and we will have to be ready. There are no easy games at this stage.
"It doesn’t matter how you qualify, what’s important is qualifying.
"We knew it would be tough because DR Congo has many good players, but we managed to win."
