Algeria vs Nigeria: Five things you need to know

When Nigeria and Algeria clash in Saturday's AFCON 2025 quarterfinal in Marrakech, they'll be adding another chapter to one of African football's most compelling and controversial rivalries. 

Over 55 years and 22 previous encounters, these two giants have produced shocking results, stunning comebacks, and at least one match that became outright infamous.

Here are five things you need to know about this legendary rivalry before kickoff.

For all the Super Eagles' continental pedigree, their head-to-head record against Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations makes for uncomfortable reading.

The Numbers: In nine previous AFCON meetings, Nigeria has won just three times. Algeria has four victories, with two matches ending in draws, including one of the most controversial encounters in tournament history.

The Twist: Both nations won their first-ever AFCON titles by defeating each other on home soil. Nigeria lifted the trophy in Lagos in 1980 with a 3-0 victory, goals from Olusegun Odegbami (2) and Mudashiru Lawal sealing the triumph in front of President Shehu Shagari at the National Stadium, Surulere.

Exactly 10 years later, Algeria returned the favour, defeating Nigeria 1-0 in the 1990 final in Algiers to claim their first continental crown. Cherif Oudjani's long-range strike beat goalkeeper Alloy Agu and broke Nigerian hearts.

Recent History: The last time these teams met at AFCON was the 2019 semifinal in Cairo, where Riyad Mahrez emerged as the hero in a tumultuous 2-1 victory that sent Algeria to the final and left Nigeria devastated.

Saturday's clash will be their 10th AFCON meeting and Nigeria will be desperate to improve that record.

Not all Nigeria-Algeria encounters have been about beautiful football. Some have been downright scandalous.

At AFCON 1984 in Ivory Coast, Nigeria and Algeria faced each other in the final group match in Bouake. Both teams knew that a scoreless draw would send them both through to the semifinals and eliminate defending champions Ghana.

What Happened: What followed was 90 minutes of football so blatantly choreographed that fans, officials, and the entire continent were left outraged. Both teams made absolutely no genuine attempt to score. The match referee eventually showed yellow cards to both sides as a symbolic protest against the farce unfolding on the pitch.

The Result: It ended 0-0, exactly as "planned." Both Nigeria and Algeria progressed to the semifinals at Ghana's expense. Nigeria went on to eliminate Egypt on penalties, while Algeria lost to eventual champions Cameroon.

The Legacy: The match remains one of African football's most infamous moments, a cautionary tale about competitive integrity that still gets referenced today. It's a dark stain on what is otherwise a rivalry defined by thrilling, high-stakes football.

While AFCON clashes grab headlines, the highest-stakes confrontations between these nations have come in FIFA World Cup qualifying and they've been absolutely dramatic.

Nigeria, the reigning African champions, hosted Algeria in Lagos in October 1981 for a World Cup qualifier. Internal disharmony sparked by ticket price increases and the controversial recall of retired players created chaos within the Super Eagles camp. 

Algeria ruthlessly exploited the turmoil, racing to a 2-0 halftime lead and holding on for a stunning away victory. Three weeks later in Constantine, Algeria completed the job with a 2-1 win, eliminating Nigeria from contention.

Nigeria got their payback in spectacular fashion during USA '94 qualifiers. In Lagos, Algeria took an early lead through Abdelhafid Tasfaout, but Jay Jay Okocha's magnificent free-kick sparked the comeback. Rashidi Yekini put on an imperious display as Nigeria demolished the visitors 4-1.

The return leg in Algiers was tense. Algeria fought desperately to stop Nigeria's bid for a first-ever World Cup appearance, but Finidi George's first-half goal secured a 1-1 draw and Nigeria's historic ticket to USA 1994.

Perhaps the most dominant performance in this rivalry came on a cold night in Oran during 2006 World Cup qualifying. Nigeria needed a win to stabilise their campaign and they delivered a statement. 

Obafemi Martins scored twice, while John Utaka, Christian Obodo, and Ayo Makinwa added their names to the scoresheet in a stunning 5-2 away victory that left Algeria shell-shocked.

Fast forward to 2018 World Cup qualifying: Algeria arrived in Uyo confident of taking all three points. Victor Moses had other ideas. The winger produced a memorable performance as Nigeria claimed a terrific 3-1 victory that kept their qualification hopes alive.

If you're looking for calm, predictable football, look elsewhere. Nigeria-Algeria matches have a habit of going down to the wire.

1988 AFCON Group Stage (Penalty Shootout): Sam Okwaraji's deflected shot gave Nigeria the lead before Algeria equalised. Nigeria finished with 10 men after Ademola Adeshina's red card, forcing the match to a penalty shootout. The Super Eagles prevailed in sudden-death, advancing through sheer nerve.

2002 AFCON Group Stage: At the 26 March Stadium in Bamako, Nigeria dominated throughout and Julius Aghahowa's strike secured three crucial points in a tightly contested 1-0 victory.

2010 AFCON Third-Place Match: Nigeria claimed bronze in Angola thanks to Obinna Nsofor's goal after excellent build-up play from Nwankwo Kanu. The 1-0 victory was Nigeria's consolation after semifinal heartbreak.

2017 World Cup Qualifier (Controversial Aftermath): The match in Constantine ended 1-1, with Nigeria having already qualified for Russia 2018. But the result was later overturned when FIFA ruled Nigeria had fielded an ineligible player. Algeria was awarded a 3-0 victory, though it had no bearing on qualification.

The Nigeria-Algeria rivalry has been a stage for African football's greatest talents to shine or stumble.

Nigerian Heroes:

Olusegun Odegbami: Scored twice in the 1980 AFCON final, cementing his status as a Super Eagles legend

Rashidi Yekini: His imperious performance in the 4-1 World Cup qualifier victory in 1993 remains iconic

Jay Jay Okocha: His stunning free-kick sparked Nigeria's comeback in that same match

Victor Moses: Delivered a masterclass in the 3-1 victory in Uyo in 2016

Obafemi Martins: His brace in the 5-2 demolition in Oran showcased his lethal finishing

Algerian Heroes:

Rabah Madjer: Led the goal avalanche in Algeria's 5-1 destruction of Nigeria in the 1990 AFCON opener

Cherif Oudjani: His long-range strike won Algeria their first AFCON title against Nigeria in 1990

Riyad Mahrez: The Manchester City star was the match-winner in the dramatic 2-1 semifinal victory in 2019

With this history weighing on both teams, Saturday's quarterfinal in Marrakech promises to deliver another chapter worthy of this storied rivalry. 

Nigeria enters with superior form and the tournament's most dangerous playmaker in Ademola Lookman. Algeria brings defensive solidity and the tactical nous of a team that knows how to frustrate the Super Eagles.

One thing is certain: after 55 years, 22 previous meetings, and countless moments of drama, brilliance, and controversy, Nigeria versus Algeria never disappoints.

Expect goals. Expect tension. Expect the unexpected. That's just what this rivalry does.