AFCON 2025: Algeria vs Nigeria - Jay Jay Okocha and 4 Super Eagles icons who made this fixture unforgettable

Over 55 years and 22 encounters, the Nigeria-Algeria rivalry has provided the stage for some of the Super Eagles' greatest players to write their names into African football history books.

From thunderous strikes to clinical finishing, from moments of individual brilliance to performances that defined careers, these five Nigerian legends have delivered when it mattered most against the Fennecs.

As both nations prepare for Saturday's AFCON 2025 quarterfinal in Marrakech, here are the Super Eagles icons whose exploits against Algeria have become the stuff of legend.

• The Moment: July 3, 1993 - Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)

When Algeria took an early lead through striker Abdelhafid Tasfaout in a crucial 1994 World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Lagos, panic could have set in. Instead, Austin "Jay Jay" Okocha produced a moment of pure magic that changed everything.

What He Did: Okocha stepped up to take a free-kick and unleashed an absolute thunderbolt that left the Algerian goalkeeper with no chance. The strike didn't just equalise, it ignited the Super Eagles and sent the home crowd into delirium.

The Impact: That goal sparked Nigeria's comeback. The team, inspired by Okocha's brilliance, went on to demolish Algeria 4-1, with Rashidi Yekini putting on a masterclass up front. The victory set Nigeria on the path to their first-ever FIFA World Cup appearance at USA '94.

Why It Matters: Okocha's free-kick epitomised everything that made him special, technical perfection, audacity under pressure, and the ability to produce match-changing moments when his country needed him most. It remains one of the most iconic goals in the history of this rivalry.

• The Moment: July 13, 1993 - Lagos (World Cup Qualifier)

The same match that featured Okocha's brilliance also showcased Rashidi Yekini at his absolute peak. Nigeria's greatest-ever striker delivered an imperious performance that left Algeria's defense in tatters.

What He Did: Yekini was simply unplayable. His combination of raw power, relentless running, and clinical finishing overwhelmed the Algerian backline. He contributed significantly to Nigeria's 4-1 demolition, terrorising defenders with his physical presence and movement.

The Legacy: Yekini's dominance in that match wasn't just about goals, it was about complete striker play. He held up the ball, brought teammates into play, created space, and finished ruthlessly. It was the kind of performance that reminded everyone why he was considered Africa's most feared number nine.

Why It Resonates: That display against Algeria came during Yekini's prime years, when he was scoring goals across Europe and carrying Nigeria's attack. His performance that day helped secure Nigeria's World Cup dream and cemented his status as a Super Eagles legend.

• The Moment: March 22, 1980 - Lagos (AFCON Final)

If you want to understand the historical weight of the Nigeria-Algeria rivalry, you have to go back to where it all began on the biggest stage: the 1980 AFCON final at the National Stadium, Surulere.

What He Did: Olusegun "Mathematical" Odegbami scored twice in Nigeria's 3-0 victory over Algeria, delivering a performance worthy of the occasion. Playing in front of President Shehu Shagari and a packed home crowd, Odegbami rose to the moment with clinical finishing and intelligent movement.

The Significance: This wasn't just any match, it was Nigeria's first-ever AFCON title. Odegbami's brace, combined with Mudashiru Lawal's goal, brought the trophy home and sent an entire nation into celebration. For an entire generation of Nigerians, Odegbami's name became synonymous with AFCON glory.

The Irony: Ten years later, Algeria would return the favour, defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the 1990 AFCON final on home soil to claim their first continental crown. But Odegbami's 1980 heroics remain a defining moment in Nigerian football history.

• The Moment: November 12, 2016 - Uyo (World Cup Qualifier)

Algeria arrived at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo with confidence, expecting to leave with three points in their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. Victor Moses had other plans.

What He Did: The Chelsea winger produced a memorable performance that combined pace, skill, and end product. Moses tormented Algeria's defene throughout the match, creating chances, driving at defenders, and contributing to Nigeria's relentless attacking play.

The Result: Nigeria claimed a terrific 3-1 victory, with Moses at the heart of everything positive the Super Eagles did going forward. His display kept Nigeria's World Cup qualification hopes alive and reminded everyone of his quality on the international stage.

Career Context: This performance came during Moses' renaissance at Chelsea under Antonio Conte, where he'd been converted into a wing-back and was thriving. He brought that club form to the national team and delivered when it mattered most against a quality opponent.

• The Moment: September 4, 2005 - Oran, Algeria (World Cup Qualifier)

If you're looking for the most dominant Super Eagles performance in this rivalry's history, look no further than a cold night in Oran during 2006 World Cup qualifying. And at the center of the destruction was Obafemi Martins.

What He Did: Martins scored twice in Nigeria's stunning 5-2 away victory, showcasing the pace, movement, and clinical finishing that made him one of Europe's most exciting young strikers at the time. His brace was part of a comprehensive team performance that also featured goals from John Utaka, Christian Obodo, and Ayo Makinwa.

Why It Was Special: Beating Algeria 5-2 away from home wasn't just a victory, it was a statement. Nigeria needed to win to stabilise their World Cup qualifying campaign, and they didn't just win, they ran the Fennecs off their own park. Martins' two goals epitomized the ruthlessness Nigeria displayed that night.

The Impact: The victory was crucial for Nigeria's qualification hopes and sent a message to the entire continent that the Super Eagles, despite a difficult campaign, remained a force to be reckoned with when firing on all cylinders.

As Nigeria prepare for Saturday's quarterfinal, the current generation of Super Eagles knows they're walking in the footsteps of legends. Ademola Lookman, currently one of the tournament's most creative player with 12 chances created, has the opportunity to add his name to this illustrious list.

Victor Osimhen, despite being the obvious focal point, will be looking to emulate Yekini's imperious performances. And the entire team will be hoping to deliver a display worthy of comparison to the heroes who came before them.

The stage is set. The history is written. Now it's time for the Class of 2025 to create their own legendary moments against Algeria and keep Nigeria's AFCON 2025 dream alive.