‘It will be the time for Nigeria’ - Mahrez tips Super Eagles to win 2025 AFCON

Mahrez was on the pitch for an hour as Algeria faced Nigeria in a quarter-final clash at Stade Marrakech on Saturday. 

The former Manchester City star, who had already scored three goals in the tournament, was expected to be a major threat to the Nigerian defence.

However, the Super Eagles effectively neutralised Mahrez as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Algeria.

Despite his disappointment, Mahrez graciously endorsed the Super Eagles, citing their talented squad as a key reason they could go all the way in Morocco. 

The Al-Ahli forward had previously stated this would be his final AFCON, making the quarter-final exit particularly poignant.

"I'm happy I was able to win one AFCON trophy for my country. It's football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose," Mahrez said.

"Maybe it will be the time for Nigeria to win. They have a good generation. But sometimes, you can have a good generation, but you don't win. It's really difficult to win, but I think they have a good chance."

The path to the trophy remains challenging for the Super Eagles, who now need two more victories to claim the title. Their next hurdle is a semi-final showdown against host nation Morocco on Wednesday.

The Atlas Lions entered the tournament as one of the top contenders and will be backed by a passionate home crowd. 

Should Nigeria overcome that formidable test, they will face the winner of the other semi-final between Senegal and Egypt for the championship.