Nigeria’s Super Eagles aim to overcome internal disputes and World Cup disappointment as they face Algeria in a high-profile AFCON quarter-final led by star duo Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman.
Nigeria prepares for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria in Marrakesh, bolstered by a tournament-high 12 goals.
Despite failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the Super Eagles have dominated their path, including a 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique.
Led by star strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, the team views continental success as vital redemption for their recent international failures.
Off-field tensions have threatened to overshadow their on-pitch success following rumors of a bonus dispute and a potential training boycott.
Reports now suggest the financial issues have been resolved, with NFF President Ibrahim Musa Gusau stating, “payments had been processed.”
This follows a visible on-field disagreement between Osimhen and Lookman during the last-16 win, though the squad has since resumed regular training under coach Eric Chelle.
The upcoming clash is a rematch of the 2019 semi-final, which Nigeria lost to a late Algerian goal.
Lookman, who has three goals and four assists, remains focused on the team’s top talent despite recent friction.
Regarding Osimhen, Lookman told journalists: “He’s our number one guy, everyone knows this. Top striker, top player, the rest is not really important.”