AFCON 2025: Ekong Sends Message to Osimhen, Lookman, Super Eagles Ahead of QF Clash vs Algeria
- William Troost-Ekong has urged Nigeria to seize the moment when the Super Eagles faceoff against Algeria
- Nigeria arrive in the AFCON quarter-finals with four wins from four, powered by Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen
- The Super Eagles are bidding to win the AFCON for the first time since 2013
William Troost-Ekong has urged the Super Eagles to seize the moment and complete the job at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, as Nigeria prepares for a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Algeria in Marrakesh on Saturday, January 10.
Nigeria have been one of the standout teams of the tournament, winning all four of their matches so far, with Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen driving a confident Super Eagles team under Eric Chelle.
Source: Getty Images
The Super Eagles, ranked as one of the favourites to win the competition in Morocco, have impressed with wins against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique, scoring 12 goals in the process.
Up next for Nigeria is a quarter-final clash against the Desert Foxes of Algeria, with their captain Riyad Mahrez already talking tough before the crucial game.
Ekong believes the quarter-final fixture is a defining moment Nigeria must not let slip.
Ekong sends message to Super Eagles
Ekong has sent a motivational message to the Super Eagles ahead of the must-win clash against Algeria.
Source: Getty Images
The former Super Eagles captain, who announced his international retirement in December, just days before AFCON 2025 kicked off, released a heartfelt statement backing Nigeria for the win despite not being part of the team in Morocco.
“Watching Nigeria complete a perfect group-stage campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and then advance to the upcoming quarter-finals, playing with hunger, personality and belief, filled me with pride,” Ekong wrote on the SPL Captain's Column.
“The talent is there, the spirit is strong, and I have no doubt the team will continue to inspire millions back home.”
The former Watford defender came close to winning the AFCON for Nigeria in 2023, narrowly losing the final to hosts Ivory Coast, but was named Player of the Tournament.
Standing between Nigeria and the AFCON semi-finals are Algeria, who, just like the Super Eagles, are unbeaten, but more defensively solid.
Mahrez’s men have conceded just one goal all tournament and needed extra time to edge past DR Congo in the last round.
Yet history favours Nigeria. The Super Eagles have reached the AFCON quarter-finals 18 times and failed to progress only once, a record that speaks to their pedigree at this stage of the competition.
On the other hand, both countries have met five times over the past 10 years, with the Desert Foxes coming out on top three times compared to Nigeria’s solitary victory, per Squawka.
The winner of Saturday’s clash will progress to the semi-finals, where they will face off against either Cameroon or hosts Morocco.
Chelle picks Nigeria’s best player
In another development, Legit.ng reported that Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has made a bold declaration at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, naming Alex Iwobi as Nigeria’s most influential player so far at the tournament.
Chelle’s praise for the Fulham midfielder comes despite the goals and headlines surrounding Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
