AFCON 2025: Algeria and Nigeria renew historic rivalry in quarterfinal showdown

AFCON 06 January 2026 at 14:38

Khaled Hegazy

News Editor

Algeria have officially booked their place in quarter finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations setting up heavyweight showdown with Nigeria after edging past DR Congo in tense Round of 16 encounter in Morocco.

The Desert Warriors secured their spot among the tournament’s final eight following grueling extra time victory in Rabat as substitute Adil Boulbina struck decisive late winner to keep Algeria’s continental title hopes alive.

Late Boulbina strike sends Algeria through

After 90 minute of disciplined defending and missed chances at both ends the contest remained goalless and was forced into extra time. With penalties looming, Boulbina produced the defining moment of the night.

The Algerian midfielder unleashed long range effort in the 119 minute breaking DR Congo’s resistance just seconds before the final whistle and sparking wild celebrations among the Algerian supporters inside the stadium.

Nigeria await in high profile quarterfinal

Algeria’s reward is classic AFCON quarterfinal clash against Nigeria, a fixture rich in history & continental pedigree.

The Super Eagles reached the last eight in emphatic fashion dismantling Mozambique 4-0 in the Round of 16.

This result also denied Nigeria potential rematch with DR Congo who had knocked them out on penalties during the 2026 World Cup qualification playoffs just weeks earlier.

Match details: Nigeria vs Algeria

• Competition: AFCON 2025 Quarterfinal
• Venue: Marrakesh
• Date: Saturday
• Kick-off: 16:00 GMT

The winner of this quarterfinal will advance to face either hosts Morocco or Cameroon in the semifinals, with place in the final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations at stake.

Related teams and leagues

Algeria

Nigeria

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations