Match Details

Related News

• CAF eyes tenth World Cup slot as DR Congo set for historic playoff, Nigeria, Senegal, star anew

  While the DR Congo stands on the verge of a historic 2026 World Cup berth in the inter-confederation playoffs, Nigeria and Senegal begin new cycles following a turbulent period of coaching changes and administrative controversy. ​The Democratic Republic of Congo arrives in Zapopan, Mexico, as favorites to secure Africa’s tenth World Cup spot. Seeded in Path 1, Sebastien Desabre’s “Leopards” await the winner of the Jamaica versus New Caledonia semi-final for a decisive clash on March 31. Desabre, who has successfully recruited several diaspora stars, remains confident in ending a 52-year drought, noting, “The nation will come to a standstill for Congo DR’s final.” ​Nigeria’s Super Eagles travel to Antalya, Turkey, to face Iran and Jordan without talisman Victor Osimhen, who is sidelined following arm surgery. Head coach Eric Chelle has utilized this window to blood new talent like Philip Otele and Collins Sor while maintaining his tactical diamond formation. Despite missing the World Cup, Chelle is focused on the “Mission ’27” reboot, aiming to restore national pride after their recent AFCON semi-final exit. ​In a week dominated by off-field drama, Senegal officially begins its appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after being stripped of their AFCON title. CAF awarded the trophy to Morocco following a chaotic final, citing Senegal’s brief walk-off as a forfeit. Amidst the tension, the Teranga Lions face Peru in Paris, where coach Pape Thiaw must stabilize a squad that feels “unequivocally rejected” by the continental governing body.

• Nigeria’s World Cup hopes dashed as FIFA confirms DR Congo status

  FIFA has officially excluded Nigeria from the 2026 World Cup intercontinental play-offs, dismissing the NFF’s eligibility protest against DR Congo.

  ​Nigeria’s ambitions for the 2026 World Cup have collapsed after FIFA officially listed DR Congo as a confirmed participant for the intercontinental play-offs.

  The decision signals the rejection of the Nigeria Football Federation’s protest regarding player eligibility.

  The Super Eagles will now miss back-to-back tournaments, as the global body moves forward with the mini-tournament logistics scheduled for March 26 to 31 in Mexico.

  ​The NFF had alleged that several Congolese players violated domestic nationality laws.

  Addressing the eligibility criteria, NFF General Secretary Dr. Mohammed Sanusi previously stated:

  “FIFA rules say once you have a passport of your country, you’re eligible, and that is why they were cleared.

  But our concern is that FIFA was deceived into clearing them. It is not FIFA’s responsibility to enforce Congo’s domestic regulations.”

• Abdulsamad Rabiu Promises Super Eagles $500,000 for Semi-Final Win, $1 Million for AFCON Title

  BUA Group CEO Abdulsamad Rabiu has pledged $500,000 to the Super Eagles for a semi-final win at AFCON and $1 million for winning the tournament. The pledge comes after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria, securing their place in the semi-finals against Morocco.

  READ MORE FROM GAZETTENG

• Algeria 0 Nigeria 2: Osimhen’s leap and Iwobi’s pass secure Super Eagles’ statement AFCON display

  Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams provided the goals as a dominant Nigeria dismantled Algeria to set up a blockbuster AFCON semi-final clash against hosts Morocco.  

  Nigeria secured a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals, where they will face host nation Morocco.

  Despite a frustrating first half featuring a goal-line clearance by Ramy Bensebaini and a missed chance by Akor Adams, the Super Eagles dominated proceedings.

  Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a powerful trademark header, silencing critics following a recent on-pitch dispute with teammate Ademola Lookman.  

  The Super Eagles doubled their lead ten minutes later when Alex Iwobi, dubbed “The Quarterback” for his vision, orchestrated a brilliant team goal.

  Iwobi’s line-breaking pass found Osimhen, who unselfishly squared the ball for Adams to round the goalkeeper.

  Nigeria’s 4-4-2 diamond formation effectively neutralized Algeria’s stubborn defense, which had conceded only once prior to the match.

  However, Nigeria will face Morocco without Wilfred Ndidi, who is suspended for the semi-final.

  For Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, the defeat marked a heartbreaking end to his continental career. The 34-year-old, who previously confirmed, “This will be my last AFCON,” was substituted shortly after Nigeria’s second goal.

  While Mahrez bows out as an icon with 111 appearances, Nigeria enters the final four as the tournament’s highest-scoring team. The Super Eagles now aim to go one step further than their silver-medal finish in the previous edition.

• AFCON 2025: Riyad Mahrez hints at international retirement after tournament

  Riyad Mahrez has suggested that AFCON 2025 will be his final appearance in the tournament as he prepares to lead Algeria against Nigeria in the quarter-finals.  

  Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has signaled that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will likely be the final continental tournament of his illustrious career.

  The 34-year-old forward made the revelation ahead of Saturday’s high-stakes quarter-final clash against Nigeria at the Stade de Marrakech.

  Mahrez has been in exceptional form throughout the competition, netting three goals to help the Desert Warriors maintain a perfect winning record as they enter the knockout stages.

  Speaking at a pre-match press conference, the former Manchester City star adopted a reflective stance regarding his future with the national team.

  “I think it will be my last Africa Cup of Nations,” Mahrez stated. “I don’t want to look too far ahead. Right now, I just want to focus on the next game and give everything, because it is very important for our country, our supporters and our families.”

  The upcoming match serves as a rematch of the 2019 semi-final, where Mahrez famously scored a late winner against the Super Eagles.

  With over 100 caps and 37 international goals, the winger is desperate to secure one more trophy before his exit.

  Both Algeria and Nigeria have won all four of their matches in Morocco so far, making this quarter-final encounter one of the most anticipated fixtures of the tournament.