The only two teams to have won all four of their matches at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations go head-to-head on Saturday, as Algeria and Nigeria meet in the quarter-finals at Marrakech Stadium.
The Desert Warriors finished top of Group F after beating Sudan, Burkina Faso, and Equatorial Guinea, before edging past DR Congo in a hard-fought extra-time victory in the round of 16.
Nigeria’s passage has been more straightforward, having recorded an emphatic win over Mozambique after cruising through the group stage with victories against Tanzania, Tunisia, and Uganda.
Algeria are targeting a third AFCON crown and a first since 2019, while the Super Eagles last lifted the trophy in 2013 and are chasing a fourth continental title, having fallen at the final hurdle in the previous edition.
Our Algeria vs Nigeria prediction provides a clear outlook on the contest, with additional AFCON betting tips also included.
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Algeria vs Nigeria prediction: Highly competitive clash on the cards
Key stats:
- Nigeria have scored at least two goals in each of their four matches at the tournament.
- Ademola Lookman has registered at least one shot on target in all three of his AFCON appearances.
- Each of the last three competitive head-to-head meetings produced goals at both ends.
Correct score prediction: Algeria 1–2 Nigeria
This fixture brings together the tournament’s most prolific attack and its tightest defence. Nigeria have scored a competition-high 12 goals before this round, while Algeria have conceded just once, the fewest tally at the ongoing AFCON.
From the opposite angle, Nigeria have been less secure defensively, conceding four goals, with their 4–0 win over Mozambique marking their first clean sheet of the tournament.
Algeria have also impressed going forward, scoring eight times across their last four matches, including a narrow 1–0 victory over DR Congo, so goals at both ends appear likely in Saturday’s encounter.
However, Nigeria have consistently shown an ability to outscore opponents at this tournament, and that attacking edge could prove decisive against an Algeria side built on defensive discipline.
Pre-match odds and win probability: Odds suggest fine margins
- HOME: 9/5 (2.80) – 35.7%
- DRAW: 2/1 (3.00) – 33.3%
- AWAY: 11/8 (2.38) – 42.1%
*Odds courtesy of Ladbrokes and subject to change.
The odds reflect a closely matched contest, with little separating the two nations.
Nigeria hold a narrow advantage with a 42.1% implied probability of winning in regulation time, while Algeria stand at 35.7%. The chance of the match going beyond 90 minutes is priced at 33.3%.
Our hot tip — both teams to score — offers solid value at 1/1 (2.00).
Most recent H2H: Nigeria to end losing streak?
The head-to-head history between Nigeria and Algeria reflects periods of dominance for both sides across their 19 previous meetings.
Nigeria, then known as the Green Eagles, won the first meeting in 1980 but failed to record a victory in the following four encounters (D1, L3), while a penalty shootout win remained their only success across seven games until 1990.
Nigeria then enjoyed a dominant spell between 2002 and 2016, winning all five meetings during that period, though they are without victory in the last four encounters, including a 2–1 defeat when the sides met at the 2019 AFCON, followed by friendly losses in 2020 and 2022.
International Match 27/09/22
Algeria
Nigeria
Algeria preview: Two doubtful, one confirmed absentee
Ismael Bennacer was forced off against DR Congo, leaving his availability for Saturday in doubt, while Jaouen Hadjam, who missed the last two matches after sustaining an injury against Burkina Faso, will require a late fitness test.
Anis Hadj Moussa is expected to miss the remainder of the tournament due to ongoing fitness concerns.
Predicted XI: Zidane (GK), Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri, Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi, Mahrez, Amoura & Maza
Algeria’s last five results:
- 06/01/26: Algeria 1–0 DR Congo (W)
- 31/12/25: Equatorial Guinea 1–3 Algeria (W)
- 28/12/25: Algeria 1–0 Burkina Faso (W)
- 24/12/25: Algeria 3–0 Sudan (W)
- 12/12/25: Algeria 1–2 United Arab Emirates (L)
Nigeria preview: Super Eagles put controversy behind
Nigeria’s dominant victory over Mozambique was overshadowed by an on-field incident involving Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi, though reports suggest the matter has been resolved, so full focus now turns to Saturday’s clash.
There are no suspension issues or fresh injury concerns, meaning Eric Chelle is expected to retain the same lineup and his preferred 4-4-2 diamond system.
Predicted XI: Nwabali (GK), Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, Osimhen & Adams
Nigeria’s last five results:
- 05/01/26: Nigeria 4–0 Mozambique (W)
- 30/12/25: Uganda 1–3 Nigeria (W)
- 27/12/25: Nigeria 3–2 Tunisia (W)
- 23/12/25: Nigeria 2–1 Tanzania (W)
- 16/12/25: Egypt 2–1 Nigeria (L)
Player to watch: Riyad Mahrez
This is a high-profile encounter featuring several elite talents, including former CAF Players of the Year Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen for Nigeria, alongside Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez.
All three players are tied on three goals in the Golden Boot race, but Mahrez stands out given his history in this fixture.
The former Manchester City winger scored a late winner when the sides last met at the AFCON and will be aiming to deliver another decisive performance here.