Algeria vs Nigeria: who will reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals?
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is entering its decisive stage, and already on Saturday, January 10, Algeria will face Nigeria in a quarter-final clash. Kick-off is scheduled for 17:00 CET, and I am offering a betting pick for this match.
Algeria vs Nigeria: match preview
Algeria delivered a commanding performance in the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations. They thrashed Sudan 3:0 in the opening round, then edged past Burkina Faso 1:0, and in the final group match defeated Equatorial Guinea 3:1. Nine points from three matches secured first place in the group. In the round of 16, the Algerians came up against DR Congo. It proved to be a very tough contest. Regulation time ended in a 0:0 draw and the game went into extra time. Algeria managed to snatch victory with a goal in the 119th minute, booking their place in the quarter-finals.
Nigeria are another favourite of this tournament, just like Nigeria. The Nigerians enjoyed a very successful group stage at the Africa Cup of Nations. They beat Tanzania 2:1 in the first round, then outgunned Tunisia in a 3:2 thriller, and in the final group match overcame Uganda 3:1. In the round of 16, Nigeria faced Mozambique. The match ended in a crushing 4:0 victory for the Nigerians. Victor Osimhen was one of the standout performers, scoring a brace.
Algeria vs Nigeria: match facts and H2H
- Algeria have won their last four matches, three of them in regulation time.
- Nigeria have recorded four regulation-time wins at this tournament.
- In every match of the tournament, Nigeria have scored at least two goals.
- In three of four matches at AFCON 2025, Algeria have kept a clean sheet.
- The most recent head-to-head meeting between these teams ended in a 2:1 win for Algeria.
- Nigeria last defeated Algeria in 2016 and have since gone four matches without a win against them.
Probable line-ups
- Algeria: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
- Nigeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Prediction
Two evenly matched sides and both among the main favourites for the title. I expect a tense and intriguing encounter, but not a high-scoring one. I suggest a bet on under 2.5 total goals.
