The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Algeria have confirmed their starting line-ups for tonight’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash, with kick-off set for 5 p.m. WAT on Saturday, January 10.
The heavyweight tie will see the Super Eagles of Nigeria attempt to book a place in back-to-back AFCON semi-finals, but standing in their way is an Algeria side that has enjoyed the upper hand in recent meetings between the two nations.
Algeria arrived in a buoyant mood after four straight wins at the tournament. Having endured painful group-stage exits at the last two AFCON editions, the Greens have taken no chances this time, grinding past DR Congo after extra time in the last 16 and stretching an impressive run of 11 wins in their last 14 internationals.
However, history offers a note of caution, with Algeria knocked out at the quarter-final stage in four of their last six AFCON knockout appearances.
Nigeria, by contrast, cruised into the last eight with a commanding 4-0 win over Mozambique. The Super Eagles have now won all four of their matches at the competition, scoring a tournament-high 12 goals, and are chasing a first continental title since 2013. Despite their free-scoring form, Nigeria have not won an AFCON quarter-final by more than one goal since 1994, suggesting another tight contest could be on the cards.
Algeria have won the last three meetings between the sides, all by a single-goal margin. Their most recent success came in a friendly in September 2022, where they edged Nigeria 2-1.
For tonight’s game, Mohamed Amoura leads the line for Algeria and has a reputation for delivering drama. Each of his last 12 international goals has come in matches that produced over 2.5 goals. For Nigeria, Ademola Lookman has been in sharp form, scoring in three of the Super Eagles’ four games at this tournament, including in the emphatic last-16 victory over Mozambique.
Confirmed Starting Line-ups for Nigeria vs Algeria clash
Algeria (4-4-2):
Anthony Mandrea (GK); Rayan Aït-Nouri, Ramy Bensebaini, Aïssa Mandi, Raïs Belghali; Riyad Mahrez (captain), Hicham Boudaoui, Ramiz Zerrouki, Farès Chaïbi; Ibrahim Maza, Mohamed Amoura.
Nigeria (4-3-1-2):
Stanley Nwabali (GK); Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bruno Onyemaechi; Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi (captain), Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman; Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams.