Algeria vs Nigeria Preview: Team News & Prediction
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In what appears to be a very strong field in the CAF Africa Cup of Nations at the moment, we have another brilliant quarter-final match up as Algeria take on Nigeria.
Kick-off date/time:
How to watch on TV: UK – Matches will be televised across the Channel 4 network / USA – beIN Sports
How to watch online: UK – All 4 & Channel 4 Sport YouTube / USA – beIN Sports Connect & Fubo
Algeria preview: Impressive Algerians
Coached by former Switzerland boss Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria have returned to being one of the stronger and more effective teams on the African continent, with an array of talent, especially in the final third, and an excellent 12 to 18 months or so.
The Algerians come into this one on the back of a hard-fought 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16 in Rabat the other day, courtesy of an Adil Boulbina winner deep into the second-half of extra-time.
Nigeria preview: Reinvigorated Super Eagles
Nigeria have been woeful for the last couple of years but the Super Eagles have been much-improved of late, under the management of Eric Chelle, but chaos follows them around with further chaos now surrounding Victor Osimhen.
As it seemed that Nigeria were beginning to really find some fluency in the final third, an argument between star players Ademola Lookman and Osimhen in their 4-0 hammering of Mozambique in the round of 16 leading to reports Osimhen has left camp.
Algeria team news: A few issues
Former AC Milan midfielder Ismael Bennacer was forced off last week and so he is now a doubt for this one with plenty of confirmed absentees, including key man Houssem Aouar.
Predicted XI (4-3-3): Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait-Nouri; Boudaoui, Abdelli, Maza; Mahrez, Amoura, Chaibi
Unavailable: Hadjam (Injured), Chergui (Injured), Tougai (Injured), Aouar (Injured)
Questionable: Bennacer (Injured)
Nigeria team news: Up in the air on Osimhen
At the time of writing, it has not yet been officially confirmed if Victor Osimhen is out of contention so, for the sake of this predicted lineup, we’re going with the view he will end up returning for the last eight.
Predicted XI (4-1-2-1-2): Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Ndidi; Onyeka, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Unavailable: Dessers (Injured)
Questionable: Osimhen (Personal reasons)
Algeria vs Nigeria prediction
These have been two of the better teams to watch in this AFCON. Algeria have re-emerged as a force and, while frustrating, especially in north Africa, they can get away with a quarter-final exit without a crisis. Nigeria, on the other hand, despite their impressive performances thus far, will only further fall into damage control mode should they get knocked out after failing to quality for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Extra-time feels likely in what should be a tense, nervy, even and dramatic affair.
Algeria vs Nigeria tip: Draw
