AFCON 2025: Algeria's Riyad Mahrez Sends Cold Message to Super Eagles Ahead of Quarterfinal Match
- Riyad Mahrez has sent a subtle message to Nigeria ahead of their AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash
- The Super Eagles will face off against the Desert Foxes for the first time at AFCON since their last meeting in 2019
- Both Nigeria and Algeria have won all four matches played so far in the competition in Morocco
If the Africa Cup of Nations history were a movie, Nigeria vs Algeria would be one of its most dramatic sequels, and Riyad Mahrez has just dropped a chilling trailer.
The Algeria captain has fired up the rivalry ahead of Saturday’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash in Marrakech, reminding Super Eagles fans of a painful night in Cairo six years ago, a night many would rather forget.
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Algeria booked their place in the last eight with a gritty extra-time win over DR Congo, sealed by Adil Boulbina’s stunning 119th-minute strike, ESPN reports.
Waiting for the Desert Foxes in the quarter-final is an unbeaten Nigeria led by Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen.
Mahrez revives 2019 rivalry with Nigeria
For Nigerian fans, one image still stings, and that is Mahrez stepping up in the 95th minute at AFCON 2019 and curling a free kick past the Super Eagles to end their title dream.
That moment has never truly faded, and the Algeria captain knows it.
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Speaking ahead of the quarter-final, Mahrez made it clear he is ready for another chapter in this growing rivalry.
“We haven’t conceded many opportunities, and we still know we have players who can make a difference.
“Nigeria? We know them well; the game will not be easy. A free kick at the last minute again? We will see, anything is possible,” Mahrez was quoted by Elbotola.
Mahrez’s statement felt less like caution and more like a reminder that Algeria are not afraid, and history might repeat itself.
Nigeria’s firepower vs Algeria’s discipline
This quarter-final between the Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes sets up a classic AFCON clash of styles.
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Nigeria are the tournament’s most entertaining side, direct and devastating in attack.
The Super Eagles have scored 12 goals in four games, breezing past Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16.
Lookman has been the heartbeat of Nigeria’s attack with three goals and four assists, while Osimhen continues to terrorise defences with his relentless movement and finishing.
Algeria, however, play a different game as Les Fennecs are built on control and patience.
They have conceded just one goal all tournament and showed ice-cold composure against DR Congo, absorbing pressure before striking late.
Nigeria vs Algeria head-to-head
Nigeria and Algeria have faced each other five times in the last decade, with Algeria holding the upper hand, per Squawka.
The Desert Foxes have come out on top three times, including the 2019 AFCON semi-final victory, compared to Nigeria’s one win.
But this Super Eagles squad feels different, and they are desperate to finally turn the page and win Nigeria’s first AFCON trophy since 2013.
Full list of AFCON 2025 QF fixtures
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has reached the quarter-final stage with eight teams left and 16 already eliminated from the tournament.
Tanzania, Mozambique, Benin, and Sudan, all of which qualified as third-placed teams, have been eliminated after crushing defeats in the Round of 16.
Source: Legit.ng
