The Super Eagles of Nigeria will trade tackles with the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in the quarterfinal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations this Saturday.
This is a clash of two continental heavyweights, given the rich football heritage of both nations. Both sides possess the talent required to justify their bragging rights; in fact, on any other day, this could easily be a semifinal or final fixture.
However, in this instance, one of these big boys will be forced to exit Morocco at the quarterfinal stage.
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While both squads boast immense quality, coach Vladimir Petkovic will be scratching his head over his selection, as midfield linchpin Ismaël Bennacer remains a major doubt.
For Nigeria, the only absentee for coach Eric Chelle is Cyriel Dessers, who departed camp last week due to injury. Aside from that, the regulars are fit as a fiddle and ready for action.
In this article, Soccernet.ng predicts the Super Eagles' likely starting eleven to face Algeria on Saturday.
Goalkeeper
Chippa United star Stanley Nwabali is expected to keep his place in goal. Having manned the sticks in three games so far, he has been a dependable presence.
In the previous outing against Mozambique, he had almost nothing to do as the Mambas failed to threaten the Super Eagles' goal.
However, against Algeria, he will undoubtedly be kept busy. Barring any late eventualities, Nwabali remains Chelle’s undisputed number one.
Defenders
Coach Chelle is expected to retain the same back four that featured against Mozambique. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi will partner at center-back once more; the duo has looked solid throughout AFCON 2025, and Chelle is unlikely to tweak a winning formula.
At right-back, Bruno Onyemaechi will keep his place, though he faces the daunting task of marking Riyad Mahrez.
While the former Manchester City man may not be as quick as he once was, Mahrez still possesses a deep bag of tricks and remains as prolific as ever. Onyemaechi certainly has his work cut out for him.
In the other fullback position, Bright Osayi-Samuel will also retain his spot. He faces a challenging afternoon against Algeria’s left wing, where the deadly Mohamed Amoura operates. Amoura is quick, a skilled dribbler, and a clinical finisher.
Notably, Algeria’s winning goal against DR Congo originated from the left via Adil Boulbina — a goal that might have been avoided had Aaron Wan-Bissaka been more alert and less tired.
As such, Osayi-Samuel must remain at the top of his game for the full 90 minutes, or potentially 120.
Midfielders
Victory may well be decided by whoever dominates the middle of the park. Both teams enjoy controlling possession and building from the back.
With this in mind, Chelle will look to pack the midfield to minimize the pockets of space for Algeria to exploit.
The Franco-Malian tactician is expected to deploy a three-man midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka shielding the back four and dictating the tempo, while Alex Iwobi will be tasked with breaking the lines with his progressive passing.
Attack
In the final third, Chelle is expected to stick with his preferred front three: Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, and Akor Adams.
Although there was a visible on-pitch disagreement between Lookman and Osimhen in the last game, there is no love lost, and the team appears to have moved on.
This trio has been brilliant so far in the tournament and will look to maintain that momentum.
Against an Algerian side that has conceded only once in four matches, these forwards must be at the peak of their powers.
