Algeria vs Nigeria: Bad news for the Super Eagles as history points to a defeat in AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash

Nigeria’s Super Eagles face an uphill task in their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria, as history suggests that the three-time African champions are likely to lose the game. 

Eric Chelle’s men go into their quarter-final clash against the Desert Foxes in fine form, having won all four of their games in the competition so far. 

The Super Eagles won their three group games before thrashing Mozambique 4-0 in the round of 16. 

However, while their record is impressive, Algeria have also been equally brilliant in the competition, with the Desert Warriors winning all four games so far. 

Vladimir Petković’s men won all three group games without conceding before beating DR Congo in their round of 16 clash by a lone goal. 

While form says it will be a difficult game to call, history is on Algeria's side, as they have won the AFCON twice, having won their first four games in the competition.

Not only that, but they also beat Nigeria on both occasions enroute to winning the title. The Desert Warriors won their first four games when they won their first AFCON title in 1990. 

The two-time African champions thrashed Nigeria 5-1 in the opener before beating Egypt and the Ivory Coast in the last two group games. 

Algeria then went on to beat Senegal in the semifinal before beating Nigeria in the showpiece by a lone goal. 

Twenty-nine years later, the Desert Warriors won their second AFCON title in Egypt, winning their first four games of the tournament. 

Le Fennecs beat Kenya, Senegal and Tanzania in the group stage before beating Guinea 3-0 in the round of 16. They followed up that win with a penalty shootout win over the Ivory Coast, setting up a semi-final clash against Nigeria. 

Although Odion Igahlo restored parity for the Super Eagles after William Troost-Ekong’s own goal had put Algeria up, Riyad Mahrez’s last-minute free kick secured the Warriors’ place in the final. 

Petkovic’s men will now hope history repeats itself when they face off against the three-time African champions in Marrakesh on Saturday.

Aside from this history, Algeria are also unbeaten in their last four games against the Super Eagles, although one was a technical 3-0 win.