AFCON 2025: Algeria vs Nigeria preview, prediction, team news, and head-to-head

The Super Eagles, who finished as runners-up to Ivory Coast in the 2023 edition, secured their place in the final eight after a commanding 4-0 victory over Mozambique on Monday.

Meanwhile, Algeria progressed to the quarter-finals by overcoming DR Congo in a tense extra-time battle earlier this week. The winner of this heavyweight clash is set to face either five-time champions Cameroon or hosts Morocco in the semi-finals.

After back-to-back humiliating group-stage exits, Algeria have left nothing to chance this year, storming into the quarter-finals with four successive wins.

While they labored to overcome DR Congo in the Round of 16, requiring a last-minute extra-time goal, their overall form is impressive, with 11 victories in their last 14 internationals.

However, this clash in Marrakech marks their first match outside of Rabat this tournament. This move from familiar surroundings could prove risky, especially as the Desert Foxes have been eliminated at this stage in four of their last six AFCON knockout appearances.

Nigeria enjoyed a much smoother path to the final eight, crushing Mozambique 4-0 to maintain their elite tournament pedigree. The Super Eagles have reached a joint-record 16 semi-finals and look poised to secure their first continental crown since 2013, boasting a tournament-high 12 goals.

Despite their current dominance, history suggests a close encounter; Nigeria haven’t won an AFCON quarter-final by more than a single goal since 1994. This statistical trend hints that Saturday's showdown may be far tighter than recent scorelines imply.

Clashes between these two nations have been very close. Algeria have won each of the last three H2Hs, with all three victories coming by just a one-goal margin. 

For Algeria, Ismael Bennacer remains a major doubt after being forced off during the hard-fought win over DR Congo. The former AC Milan midfielder is one of four injury concerns for the Desert Foxes, alongside Jaouen Hadjam, Samir Chergui, and Mohamed Tougai.

Conversely, Akor Adams, who netted in Nigeria’s rout of Mozambique, is available to face Algeria. The forward has rejoined the squad after being granted brief leave from the camp earlier this week for personal reasons.

Algeria (4-4-2) Zidane (GK); Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Aït-Nouri; Mahrez, Boudaoui, Bennacer, Chaïbi; Maza, Amoura

Nigeria (4-3-1-2) Nwabali (GK); Osayi-Samuel, Ajayo, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams

In a quarter-final where the finest margins often decide the outcome, Nigeria's superior freshness could be the deciding factor. The Super Eagles should hold the physical edge over an Algeria side that endured a grueling 120-minute battle against DR Congo on Monday.

After reading this preview, remember to place your bets on LiveScore Bet.

• Nigeria to win

• Over 2.5 goals

• Victor Osimhen to score anytime