Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has expressed confidence as the Desert Foxes prepare for a high-stakes Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final against Nigeria, rekindling one of the tournament’s most familiar rivalries.
The two former champions face off on Saturday in Marrakech, with Algeria advancing after a dramatic extra-time victory over DR Congo, sealed by Adil Boulbina’s late goal, while Nigeria cruised past Mozambique 4-0 to reach the last eight.
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Speaking to Ebotola after the DR Congo clash, Mahrez said Algeria had controlled much of the match. “I think that on the whole game, if the scales were to tilt on one side, it was ours,” he noted, praising his team’s defensive cohesion and individual quality.
“We faced a good Congolese team, who played with cohesion and left little space, but we were solid,” Mahrez added, highlighting Algeria’s ability to limit opponents’ chances while relying on players capable of turning games in decisive moments.
Turning to the upcoming clash, the former Manchester City winger acknowledged the challenge posed by the Super Eagles, who are unbeaten in the tournament and were runners-up at the previous AFCON.
“Nigeria? We know them well; the game will not be easy,” Mahrez said. Asked if the quarter-final could be decided by another dramatic late moment, he joked, “A free kick at the last minute again? We will see, anything is possible.”
The match promises to be a tightly contested affair, with both sides eyeing a place in the semi-finals and a chance to advance toward AFCON glory.
This encounter not only revives memories of their 2019 semi-final clash, when Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick sent Algeria to the final, but also sets the stage for another high-pressure showdown between two of Africa’s footballing heavyweights.
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