The Super Eagles of Nigeria and Algeria have released their starting line-ups for tonight’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final encounter, scheduled to kick off at 5:00 p.m. WAT on Saturday, January 10.
The high-profile showdown sees Nigeria aiming to secure a place in consecutive AFCON semi-finals, but they face a stern test against an Algerian side that has dominated recent meetings between both teams.
Algeria come into the match in high spirits after recording four consecutive wins at the tournament. Following disappointing group-stage exits in the previous two AFCON editions, the Greens have been more cautious this time around. They edged past DR Congo after extra time in the round of 16 and have now won 11 of their last 14 international matches. Still, history offers a warning, as Algeria have been eliminated at the quarter-final stage in four of their last six AFCON knockout appearances.
Nigeria, on the other hand, booked their quarter-final spot in emphatic fashion with a 4-0 demolition of Mozambique. The Super Eagles have won all four of their matches so far, scoring a tournament-leading 12 goals as they chase their first AFCON title since 2013. Despite their attacking brilliance, Nigeria have not won a quarter-final by more than one goal since 1994, hinting at another closely contested tie.
Algeria have claimed victory in the last three encounters between the two sides, all by a one-goal margin. Their most recent win was a 2-1 friendly triumph in September 2022.
For this clash, Mohamed Amoura spearheads Algeria’s attack and is known for his dramatic impact, with each of his last 12 international goals coming in games that featured over 2.5 goals. For Nigeria, Ademola Lookman has been in fine form, finding the net in three of the Super Eagles’ four matches at this tournament, including the commanding round-of-16 win over Mozambique.
Confirmed Starting Line-ups
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.