Nigeria will face Algeria in a high-stakes quarter-final at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco as the Super Eagles booked their place among the tournament’s last eight following an emphatic Round of 16 display.
The Super Eagles advanced in commanding fashion after dispatching Mozambique, with Victor Osimhen scoring twice to underline Nigeria’s attacking firepower and growing momentum as the competition enters its decisive phase.
Nigeria’s qualification places them in a heavyweight showdown against Algeria, who also needed extra time to reach the quarter-finals.
The North Africans edged past DR Congo in a tense encounter, with substitute Adil Boulbina striking late to seal their progression.
Beyond Nigeria’s clash with Algeria, the quarter-final line-up features a collection of Africa’s most decorated and consistent football nations.
Defending champions Côte d’Ivoire and seven-time winners Egypt remain firmly in contention, alongside Senegal, Cameroon, Mali and tournament hosts Morocco.
Egypt secured their place with a gritty extra-time victory over Benin, while Côte d’Ivoire cruised to a convincing 3–0 win over Burkina Faso to keep their title defence on track.
Hosts Morocco, buoyed by strong home support, edged Tanzania to advance, as Senegal defeated Sudan to reaffirm their pedigree since lifting the AFCON trophy in 2021.
Mali showed resilience and discipline by eliminating Tunisia on penalties despite playing for long periods with ten men in a fiercely contested tie.
The standout fixture of the quarter-finals will see record holders Egypt take on defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in a mouthwatering encounter billed as a potential final-before-the-final.
Friday’s matches will see West African rivals Senegal and Mali face off in the opening quarter-final, followed by hosts Morocco taking on five-time champions Cameroon in a high-pressure night clash.
Nigeria’s tie against Algeria will open Saturday’s fixtures, before Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire conclude the quarter-final action later in the evening.
The quarter-finals will be played over two days, with the winners progressing to the semi-finals as the race for continental glory at AFCON 2025 intensifies.
AFCON 2025 Quarter-Final Fixtures
(All kick-off times local time in Morocco)
Friday, January 9
17:00 — Mali vs Senegal
20:00 — Cameroon vs Morocco
Saturday, January 10
17:00 — Algeria vs Nigeria
20:00 — Egypt vs Côte d’Ivoire
