Mahrez Nigeria clash warning as Algeria captain says Super Eagles tie will be tough ahead of AFCON 2025 quarter-final showdown

Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has said his side’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match against Nigeria will be a difficult contest, warning that the Super Eagles remain one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

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The Manchester City forward made the comments after Algeria’s 1–0 extra-time victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo on Tuesday night secured the North Africans a place in the last eight of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to reporters in Rabat, Mahrez said Algeria were fully aware of Nigeria’s quality and experience at the continental level.

“Nigeria? We know them well. The match will not be easy,” Mahrez said. “Anything is possible.”

The quarter-final will revive one of Africa’s most established football rivalries, with both nations having won the tournament three times.

Their most recent meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations came in 2019, when Mahrez scored a dramatic last-minute free kick to eliminate Nigeria in the semi-finals in Egypt.

Asked whether a similar moment could happen again, the Algerian captain smiled and left the door open.

“Another last-minute free kick? We will see,” Mahrez said. “Anything is possible.”

Nigeria booked their place in the quarter-finals with a commanding 4–0 victory over Mozambique, while Algeria edged DR Congo late in extra time to progress.

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The two sides will meet on Saturday in Marrakesh, with a place in the semi-finals at stake in what is widely expected to be one of the tournament’s defining fixtures.