Nigeria’s Super Eagles are banking on a star-studded, stable lineup featuring Victor Osimhen and Wilfred Ndidi to overcome continental rivals Algeria in a decisive AFCON 2025 quarterfinal.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria are set to face the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in a high-stakes 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal this Saturday in Morocco.
With a spot in the semifinals on the line, coach Eric Chelle is expected to field a powerhouse lineup featuring Premier League stars.
Aside from injured forward Cyriel Dessers, Nigeria boasts a fully fit squad, while Algeria faces uncertainty over midfield linchpin Ismaël Bennacer’s availability.
Defensively, Stanley Nwabali will retain his role in goal, shielded by the center-back pairing of Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi.
Fullbacks Bruno Onyemaechi and Bright Osayi-Samuel face significant challenges containing Riyad Mahrez and Mohamed Amoura.
In midfield, Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka will provide stability. Coach Chelle intends to “pack the midfield to minimize the pockets of space for Algeria to exploit,” utilizing Alex Iwobi to drive the team’s progressive passing.
The attacking trio remains spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams.
Despite a minor on-pitch disagreement between Lookman and Osimhen in the previous match, the squad has reportedly moved on to focus on the task ahead.
This frontline must be clinical against an Algerian defense that has conceded only once in four games. The winners will advance to the final four, while the losers face a disappointing exit from the tournament.