AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Stars As Eric Chelle Names Unchanged XI to Face Algeria

AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Lookman Stars As Eric Chelle Names Unchanged XI to Face Algeria

  • Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his starting 11 to face Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final
  • Chelle kept faith in the same starting lineup that beat thrashed Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16 in Fez
  • Victor Osimhen starts despite calls from Nigerians to sanction him after the bust-up against Mozambique and the aftermath

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named his starting lineup to face the Desert Foxes of Algeria in the quarter-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria defeated the Mambas of Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16, while Algeria needed a late Adil Boulbina strike to beat the Leopards of DR Congo.

Eric Chelle, Super Eagles, Nigeria, AFCON 2025, Morocco.
Eric Chelle names an unchanged Super Eagles XI to face Algeria. Photo by Issam Zerrok/Hans Lucas/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

Algeria, which had previously played its matches in Rabat moved to Marrakech, while Nigeria which played all matches in Fes also followed suit for their last eight-clash.

According to The NFF, the two countries share a 55-year-old historic rivalry, which has seen classic matches, including at AFCON as recent as 2019.

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AFCON 2025: Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic confident in stopping Nigeria in crucial quarterfinal

Chelle's Super Eagles XI vs Algeria

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has named an unchanged XI of the same team that faced Mozambique in the Round of 16 to face Algeria in the quarter-final.

Chelle settled for the squad against Tunisia and it has proven to be his best XI and has stuck with it, even though he rotated it against Uganda, having secured qualification.

The XI includes captain Wilfred Ndidi, Calvin Bassey and Frank Onyeka all of whom are at risk of suspension if they receive a yellow card against Algeria.

Stanley Nwabali starts in goal. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi and Bruno Onyemaechi completes the defence, while Alex Iwobi is the third man in midfield.

The deadly trio of Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams starts in attack and will hope to wreak havoc like they did against Mozambique.

Chelle starts Osimhen despite agitations from Nigerians to bench him after his bust-up with Lookman and the aftermath during the 4-0 win over the Mambas.

Read also

NFF releases statement after Super Eagles arrive in Marrakech for Algeria clash

Super Eagles, Nigeria, Algeria, AFCON 2025, Morocco.
Victor Osimhen starts for Super Eagles despite issue with Ademola Lookman. Photo by Abdel Majid Bziouat/AFP.
Source: Getty Images

Where to watch Algeria vs Nigeria

Legit.ng previously reported where to watch Algeria vs Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match via television stations and streaming platforms.

Nigerian audiences will have it available on SuperSport channels on DStv and their streaming platforms on mobile. It is also available on other portals based on region.

Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Elijah Odetokun avatar

Elijah Odetokun (Sports Editor) Elijah Odetokun is a Nigerian sports editor at Legit.ng. He has five years of working experience and holds a Bachelor of Agriculture from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, and a Diploma in Freelance and Sports Writing from the London School of Journalism. He has covered major Super Eagles games, including FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Email: elijah.odetokun@sportsbrief.com