Arguably the biggest game of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations takes place in the imperial city of Marrakesh on Saturday and it pits an unwanted Moroccan neighbour Algeria, against a dreaded AFCON opposition, Nigeria.
When this particular fixture was scheduled for the Red City before the tournament, one wonders if the likelihood of teams that would feature in it came into congnisance with the organisers because has turned out to be the perfect fit.
Les Fennecs have endured dismal returns from the AFCON since winning it in 2019 and a defeat to the Super Eagles could throw the North Africans into turmoil with the FIFA World Cup just over five months away.
A CLASH OF PERFECTION
The only two teams in the competition with an aura of invincibility come toe-to-toe at the tradition Grand Stade de Marrakesh with the eventual loser most likely heading into crisis post-game.
Both Algeria and Nigeria led their groups with admirable perfection. The Fennecs conceded only one goal in the group stage while breezing through with nine points while Nigeria scored the most in that same period with same return on points.
With the Algerians keeping out Congo DR in the round of 16, Nigeria’s superior attacking threat posed by Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman makes this a classic attack vs defence battle in Marrakesh on Saturday night.
THE MAHREZ DECIDER
Former African player of the year, Riyad Mahrez admitted at the press conference on Friday that this would be his last AFCON tournament. Will this even be his last match? That’s an eventuality he would not hope for as he was the decider the last time both teams faced in 2019.
https://x.com/fisayodairo/status/2009876053443887298?s=46
Mahrez has seen his minutes reduce in AFCON 2025, expected for a 34-year old as he has been substituted by Algerian coach Vladimir Petkovic in each of the games he has featured in. It is certainly a swansong for one of the most graceful stars that has graced the game on the continent.
In spite of his waning physicality, Mahrez still wields big influence for Les Fennecs on the pitch having contributed three goals in his three appearances in the tournament. Eight of the Nigerian Eagles that were heartbroken by this genius in 2019 are in the 2025 squad and will have something to say to Mahrez’s future.
DISTRACTIONS OR NOT?
Nigeria’s swashbuckling win over Mozambique was overshadowed by the on-field squabble between star men Osimhen and Lookman but it is reported that the matter has been discussed, settled and put aside.
What also followed was another threat to go on an industrial action owing to unpaid bonuses from the group stage till the round of 16. The Nigerian government then moved swiftly and the players got assurances that the process had been expedited.
The million dollar question is: how much of an effect will these have on their performance against Algeria on Saturday?
HOW GOOD IS YOUR PLAN B?
As seen so far in the 2025 AFCON, games between two strong teams always go down to the strength in depth and the application of that strength by the coach when the need arises.
Nigeria have scored first in each of their games so far and have hardly needed the bench to win any game but against an obstinate Algeria side, this could be tested and the strength of the bench must shine through.
Although Eric Chelle’s starting XI is easily predictable, but what happens in case of any eventuality to the right back, one of the centre backs or one of the centre forwards? How well can the backups stand in front of 40,000 vociferous Algerian fans?
A positive answer to the above questions will certainly see Nigeria through to the next round.
MATCH DETAILS
Match: Algeria vs Nigeria
Venue: Grand Stade de Marrakesh, Marrakesh
Time: 5:00pm (local and WAT)
Referee: Issa Sy (Senegal)
BETTING TIP:
It’s the best attack against joint-best defence so goals are expected to be few. It however looks like a game going into extra time on paper and possibly penalties.
Prediction: Algeria 1-1 Nigeria
