Nigeria’s Super Eagles will confront familiar North African rivals Algeria in a blockbuster quarter-final clash at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, following an impressive Round of 16 performance.
The three-time African champions secured their place in the last eight with a dominant display against Mozambique, powered by a brace from talismanic striker Victor Osimhen. The Napoli forward’s clinical finishing once again highlighted Nigeria’s attacking threat as the tournament moves into its decisive stages.
Standing between the Super Eagles and a semi-final berth is an Algerian side that also showed resilience in the Round of 16. The Desert Foxes needed extra time to overcome DR Congo, with substitute Adil Boulbina emerging as the hero after scoring a late decisive goal.
The Nigeria–Algeria encounter headlines a quarter-final line-up stacked with some of Africa’s most successful football nations. Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire remain in the hunt, alongside record winners Egypt, former champions Senegal and Cameroon, as well as Mali and tournament hosts Morocco.
Egypt booked their passage with a hard-fought extra-time victory over Benin, while Côte d’Ivoire produced one of the most convincing performances of the Round of 16, sweeping aside Burkina Faso 3–0. Hosts Morocco, backed by passionate home support, edged past Tanzania, and Senegal underlined their pedigree with a composed win over Sudan.
One of the most anticipated fixtures of the round will see Egypt square off against defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in a high-profile showdown widely regarded as a “final before the final.”
Quarter-final action begins on Friday, with West African neighbours Senegal and Mali facing off, followed by a night clash between hosts Morocco and five-time champions Cameroon. Saturday’s programme opens with Nigeria’s crunch tie against Algeria, before Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire bring the quarter-final stage to a dramatic close later in the evening.
With the quarter-finals spread over two days, only four teams will advance to the semi-finals as the battle for continental supremacy at AFCON 2025 reaches boiling point.
AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures
(All kick-off times local time in Morocco)
Friday, January 9
17:00 — Mali vs Senegal
20:00 — Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, January 10
17:00 — Algeria vs Nigeria
20:00 — Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
