The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Algeria’s Desert Warriors are gearing up for an exciting clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, which holds 45,000 spectators, on Saturday.
This match marks the third quarter-final of the ongoing 35th Africa Cup of Nations finals.
With a combined total of five African titles, both teams are determined to give their all in this encounter as they aim for a spot in the semi-finals of what is arguably the most prestigious AFCON tournament in its 69-year history.
Both teams have had to travel for this match. The Eagles arrived in Marrakech on Thursday afternoon after playing all their group stage and Round of 16 matches in Fès, while the Fennecs made their way from Rabat, where they also competed in their previous four games.
Nigeria, a three-time champion, has scored 12 goals in their first four matches (including three group games and the Round of 16), while the Desert Warriors have netted eight goals, with standout performances against Sudan and Equatorial Guinea in Group E.
They secured their place in the quarter-finals with a last-minute goal against the Democratic Republic of Congo, while the Super Eagles easily defeated Mozambique.
Nigeria’s dynamic duo, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, along with newcomer Akor Adams, who is motivated by scoring his first AFCON goal against Mozambique and his mother’s recovery, pose a significant threat to the 1990 and 2019 champions.
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Osimhen and Lookman were instrumental in Nigeria’s runner-up finish in Côte d’Ivoire two years ago and have continued to shine in this tournament, each scoring three goals, with Lookman contributing five assists and Osimhen one.
However, the Fennecs also boast their own set of match-winners who have consistently delivered results when needed.
Baghdad Bounedjah, who scored the only goal in the 2019 Final against Senegal, remains one of Algeria’s most lethal strikers.
Captain Riyad Mahrez has proven to be as effective as legends like Rabah Madjer, who led Algeria to victory in the 1990 AFCON, as well as Lakhdar Belloumi and the skillful Abdelhafid Tasfaout.
Ismael Bennacer is another key player to watch, operating from midfield, while defender Ramy Bensebaini scored the decisive goal in a friendly against Nigeria in Austria in October 2020.
Adil Boulbina’s stunning goal eliminated the DR Congo, and the Super Eagles must also be cautious of midfielders Ibrahim Maza and Hicham Boudaoui, along with striker Anis Hadj-Moussa.
Despite the challenges, Nigeria has shown great capability in this tournament, playing with determination, pride, and passion, led by captain Wilfred Ndidi and Alex.
