Nigeria are through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final after beating Algeria on Saturday. With the legendary figure of Zinedine Zidane watching on, once again, from the stands at the Grand stadium in Marrakesh, the Super Eagles found their ruthless touch early in the second half to seal a deserved quarter-final win.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a fine header, taking his tally to four at AFCON 2025, before Akor Adams doubled the lead to seal a dominant 2-0 win. Algeria, by their own high standards, were surprisingly flat from start to finish, with Riyad Mahrez virtually non-existent before being replaced on the hour mark on what is expected to be his final-ever AFCON appearance.
There are five AFCON titles between the Desert Warriors and the Super Eagles, though for the former, their journey at this year's tournament came to an end at the Marrakesh Stadium. Meanwhile, Nigeria will advance to the semi-final to face host nation Morocco next week in Rabat. Follow Algeria vs Nigeria back below with Standard Sport's dedicated match blog!
Algeria vs Nigeria latest news
- GOAL! Adams doubles Nigeria's lead
- GOAL! Osimhen heads Nigeria in front
- NO GOAL: Bassey denied by controversial clearance
FULL-TIME!
18:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlgeria 0-2 Nigeria
It’s over in Marrakesh and Nigeria soar into another Africa Cup of Nations semi-final.
Super Eagles just too strong for Algeria, second half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams seals quarter-final win.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:59 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+8 min: We are still playing as both benches have a coming together. Osimhen dragging his team-mates away.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:55 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+5 min: Talk about winding down the clock as Nigeria change their mind over a substitution with Ogbu replaces Osayi-Samuel instead of Osimhen.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:54 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90+3 min: Nwabali groans, very loudly, after being caught late by Berkane once the ball had gone.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:50 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne90 min: Into six minutes of stoppage time, Nigeria are almost there.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:46 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne86 min: End of the game for Adams as he makes way for Awaziem. Lookman won’t get his goal as he is replaced by Dele-Bashiru.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:44 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne83 min: Onyemaechi beats the ground in anger after conceding a corner. The Nigeria defender can breath a sigh of relief as the set-piece comes to nothing.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne81 min: Very nearly three for Nigeria as Adams hits the post from close range. That should have been game, set and matched there but Algeria survive.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:39 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne80 min: Nigeria still pushing for another goal. Lookman has two attempts blocked before an improvised header from Adams loops over the bar.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:35 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne75 min: Boudaoui is the latest Algeria player in the book after going through Lookman from behind. Frustration on show for the North Africans today.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne72 min: Iwobi has three players to pick out in the middle, problem is all three of his team-mates made the exact same run and Algeria clear their lines.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne71 min: CLOSE!
Bassey makes first contact from a deep free-kick and cushions a header for Ajayi but his team-mate can’t get a touch on the ball to make it 3-0.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:29 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne69 min: It’s two changes for Nigeria as Ndidi is finally replaced by Onyedika, while Onyeka makes way for Simon.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:28 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne68 min: That’s it for Ndidi this afternoon. But Nigeria aren’t ready to make a change and have to defend this corner with a man less. Nwabali takes away all the pressure with a massive punch before Moussa stops a Nigeria break and is booked for a foul.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:25 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne65 min: Algeria raising the tempo in search of a goal to get back in to the game. Concern for Nigeria as Ndidi is down holding his left hamstring.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne62 min: Yellow card shown to Ait-Nouri as frustration gets the better off the Algeria defender. He gets right into the face of Osayi and raises his hands, duly punished.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:21 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne60 min: Flurry of Algeria changes, the headline being Mahrez has gone off.
GOAL! Algeria 0-2 Nigeria | Akor Adams ‘57
17:18 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne57 min: NIGERIA HAVE TWO!
Akor Adams doubles Nigeria's lead, rounding off a fine flowing move.
A superb pass from Iwobi to pick out Osimhen and the striker is unselfish to tee up his team-mate and Adams takes the ball around Zidane and finishes into an empty net.
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:15 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne54 min: CHANCE!
Another peach of a cross from Onyemaechi to pick out Osimhen who gets his head to the ball, but this time, Zidane is equal to the effort.
Nigeria getting plenty of joy with crosses into the box.
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:13 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne53 min: The dynamic of this fixture has suddenly changed after that goal. It’s no surprise really as Algeria now have to push forward in search of an equaliser.
They’re almost in but Ajayi sticks out a long leg to cut out Amoura’s pass to Maza.
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne50 min: It’s a classic centre-forward’s goal as Osimhen gets up early to head past Zidane.
Fine work from Onyemaechi as well, one touch to get the ball out of his feet and then crossing early for the Nigeria striker.
GOAL! Algeria 0-1 Nigeria | Victor Osimhen ‘47
17:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne47 min: NIGERIA LEAD!
Victor Osimhen, on his 50th cap for Nigeria, heads the Super Eagles in front early in the second half.
KICK-OFF!
17:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBack underway in Marrakesh!
No changes for either side.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
17:02 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneCertainly a case for goal-line technology at future Africa Cup of Nations tournaments as replays suggest Calvin Bassey’s effort did cross the line before Ramy Bensebaini made the clearance.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:57 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria asked all the questions in that first half. Calvin Bassey came the closest to breaking the deadlock but a sensational goal-line clearance from Ramy Bensebaini kept the score at 0-0.
HALF-TIME
16:52 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlgeria 0-0 Nigeria
Chances at a premium but Calvin Bassey has had an effort cleared off the line and Akor Adams missed a golden opportunity to give Nigeria a deserved lead.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:48 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45+2 min: Superb run by Osayi is brought to a stop by Ait-Nouri. The Algeria left-back is a lucky man that the foul was just outside the area.
Free-kick in a good position for Nigeria, and Bruno sends an effort straight into the arms of Zidane.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne45 min: Into three minutes of added time.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:42 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne41 min: Ait-Nouri ignores a cross-field pass to Mahrez and ends up running into trouble.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:38 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne36 min: CHANCE!
A golden opportunity for Akor Adams but he fails to take it. Great awareness from Iwobi to put the striker clean through and he lifts his effort over the bar with just Zidane to beat.
Algeria let off the hook.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:33 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne33 min: Concern for Algeria as Zidane is down in the net and requires some treatment on his right knee. The goalkeeper appeared to collide with a team-mate, but his back on his feet.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:31 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne30 min: Oh, what do we have here? Goal-line technology is in use to determine whether the ball crossed the line or not.
All eyes on the referee!
Decision is no goal and Nigeria have a corner.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:30 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne29 min: Amoura booked for a foul on Osayi. The Algeria forward is letting his frustrations get the better of him and needs to calm down a toucg.
From the free-kick, Lookman whips the ball around the wall and Bassey gets a touch at the back post but Bensebaini makes a superb goal-line clearance.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:27 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne27 min: Nigeria look to be in as Osimhen bears down on goal but a brilliant last-ditch tackle from Ait-Nouri saves the day for Algeria.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:26 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne26 min: Such a contrast in possession with both teams. Nigeria knocking the ball around confidently while Algeria struggling to string two passes together.
Bit of frustration creeping in for the North Africans as Amoura fouls Ajayi.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:24 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne24 min: Poor turnover of possession by Algeria and Nigeria break away immediately, Adams slips in Lookman who drives towards goal, checks back on to his right foot and forces Zidane into a save.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:23 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne22 min: Not the most convincing goalkeeping by Nwabali as he comes and punches the free-kick, though the referee spotted a foul in the middle and Nigeria get the decision.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:22 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne21 min: Osayi-Samuel pulls back Mahrez after failing to keep the ball in play following a pass out to the flank by Nwabali.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:20 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne19 min: A rare misplaced pass from Iwobi as a breakdown in communication with Lookman sees Nigeria squander possession.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:19 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne18 min: Nigeria come forward again but Osayi-Samuel is frustrated with Onyeka’s pass to him. Nevertheless, the Brentford launches the ball into the box from a throw, Ndidi wins the flick on but Algeria clear their lines.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:16 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 min: Strong challenge from Zerrouki on Lookman earns the Algeria midfielder a yellow card.
Algeria have weathered the early storm and beginning to ask questions of this Nigeria defence.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:12 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne12 min: Look who is here!
The legendary Zinedine Zidane is in attendance for this afternoon’s quarter-final tie.
His son, Luca, is in goal for Algeria.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:10 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne10 min: Onyeka runs onto a cross to the back post but doesn’t make clean contact with the ball which is then cleared away by the Algeria defence.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:08 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne8 min: Nigeria pressing really high, it’s leading to fouls but on the flip side their high line catches Amoura offside down the left.
At the other end, Osimhen gets in behind the Algeria defence but his cut back is cleared for a corner. The delivery is good and Osimhen heads over the bar, decent chance that.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:05 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne5 min: Maza vs Bassey could be an interesting battle this afternoon. The Algeria forward goes down near the touchline hoping for a free-kick but his appeals are waved away.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:02 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne2 min: Very early free-kick for Nigeria and Ajayi makes first contact with the cross but his header loops over the bar.
KICK-OFF!
16:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWe are underway at the Marrakesh Stadium
A semi-final against Morocco is the reward for the winner.
Algeria vs Nigeria live
15:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneFirst, time to hear the anthems for both national teams.
HERE WE GO!
15:53 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams are out at the Marrakesh Stadium.
Kick-off is just moments away!
Nigeria arrive
15:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTurn the volume all the way up for this!
By now, you already know the sound. The Super Eagles are here. 🦅#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeSoundDifferent pic.twitter.com/bBnYgt16SZ
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 10, 2026
Kick-off approaching in Marrakesh
15:45 , Tashan Deniran-Alleyne15 minutes to go until kick-off at the Marrakesh Stadium.
Nigeria route
15:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Super Eagles have also won every single game at AFCON 2025.
They weren't all that convincing in their opener against Tanzania but it's safe to say they have improved with each passing game.
Nigeria 2-1 Tanzania
Nigeria 3-2 Tunisia
Uganda 1-3 Nigeria
Nigeria 4-0 Mozambique
Algeria route
15:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Desert Warriors won all three games in Group E before overcoming DR Congo in the round of 16 thanks to an 119th minute winner from Adil Boulbina.
Algeria 3-0 Sudan
Algeria 1-0 Burkina Faso
Equatorial Guinea 1-3 Algeria
Algeria 1-0 DR Congo (AET)
Team news reminder
15:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is how both teams will line-up today.
Algeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza.
Substitutes: Mandrea, Dorval, Belaid, Abdelli, Bounedjah, Moussa, Bakrar, Benbot, Atal, Kebbal, Boulbina, Berkane.
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Substitutes: Uzoho, Sanusi, Ogbu, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze, Usman, Simon, Obasogie, Onyedika, Onuachu, Awaziem, Ejuke, Lawal, Akinsanmiro, Nnadi.
Nigeria changes
15:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe Super Eagles are, as expected, unchanged from the 4-0 win over Mozambique.
This means Victor Osimhen starts despite his altercation with Ademola Lookman during the round of 16 clash.
Algeria changes
15:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHuge blow for Algeria as Ismael Bennacer fails in his bid to prove his fitness for this afternoon's quarter-final tie.
The midfielder is replaced by Ramiz Zerrouki in the only change from the side that started the round of 16 win over DR Congo.
Nigeria team in full
15:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Substitutes: Uzoho, Sanusi, Ogbu, Dele-Bashiru, Chukwueze, Usman, Simon, Obasogie, Onyedika, Onuachu, Awaziem, Ejuke, Lawal, Akinsanmiro, Nnadi.
Algeria team in full
15:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlgeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza.
Substitutes: Mandrea, Dorval, Belaid, Abdelli, Bounedjah, Moussa, Bakrar, Benbot, Atal, Kebbal, Boulbina, Berkane.
CONFIRMED NIGERIA TEAM NEWS
15:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAnd lining up for the Super Eagles...
𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗘-𝗨𝗣𝗦 📋
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 10, 2026
Starting XIs for Algeria and Nigeria in the quarter-finals. 🇩🇿🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/umdFBU77Ie
CONFIRMED ALGERIA TEAM NEWS
15:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Algeria team to face Nigeria...
🚨LA COMPOSITION DE L’ALGÉRIE FACE AU NIGERIA ! 🇩🇿⚔️🇳🇬
— Algérie Football Média 🇩🇿 (@DZFOOTBALLDZ) January 10, 2026
🤔 Vos impressions ? pic.twitter.com/TJoZbRZ9TF
Algeria vs Nigeria live - team news imminent
14:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe teams will be announced shortly!
Stay tuned...
Pre-match
14:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHere is the Nigeria squad on their pre-match walk. Spirit among the camp seems high, can they reach successive AFCON semi-finals?
Team matchday walk ✅ pic.twitter.com/o8IEvROzDl
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 10, 2026
Dressing room
14:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneBehind the scenes at the Marrakesh Stadium as the Algeria and Nigeria dressing rooms are prepared ahead of kick-off.
Dressing rooms ready for both Gerias. 🇩🇿🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/2yPAog3ZQ6
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 10, 2026
Rewind to 2019
14:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThere was late drama when these two teams met in the 2019 AFCON semi-final as Riyad Mahrez's stunning free-kick in stoppage time broke Nigeria hearts.
A historic moment from 2019. Riyad’s late free-kick sending Algeria to the final.
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 10, 2026
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐦𝐞𝐞𝐭 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧. 🇩🇿🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | @1xBet_Eng pic.twitter.com/dRSPib1YRv
Chelle aware of Algeria's qualities
14:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria boss Eric Chelle is expecting this afternoon's clash to represent the toughest challenge his side have faced at AFCON 2025.
"I like the football Algeria play," Chelle told reporters.
"Algeria have got some interesting players and there's a coaching staff that is very professional and very competent.
"We've a challenge ahead of us. We have our strengths as well as our weaknesses. If we want to reach the prize we have to beat the best teams."
Mahrez issues rallying cry
14:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRiyad Mahrez urged his Algeria teammates to rise to the occasion against Nigeria today.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Mahrez said: "I'm so happy to arrive at this stage again and to play against a big team, a strong team like Nigeria.
"This is where our big players belong and now it's up to them to show their abilities on the biggest stage."
Morocco await in AFCON semi-final
14:25 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneMorocco are through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final after beating Cameroon on Friday.
Brahim Diaz opened the scoring midway through the first half with his fifth goal of the tournament before Ismael Saibari put the game to bed 15 minutes from time.
As a result, a first semi-final since 2004 beckons for Morocco and the one-time AFCON winners can look forward showdown against either Algeria or Nigeria.
Predicted Nigeria XI
14:20 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneNigeria will have Victor Osimhen leading the line for today’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final showdown with Algeria.
Osimhen’s place in the Super Eagles’ attack was called into question by some supporters following the striker’s argument with team-mate Ademola Lookman during the round-of-16 win over Mozambique.
The Galatasaray star berated Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi for not passing him the ball when on a hat-trick and that prompted a verbal altercation which Nigeria captain Wilfred Ndidi had to diffuse while Calvin Bassey played the peacemaker role.
Predicted Nigeria XI vs Algeria: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Predicted Algeria XI
14:15 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneRiyad Mahrez is expected to start for Algeria this afternoon as he aims to close the gap on Brahim Diaz who has has five goals at the tournament.
Mahrez has netted three times so far and should be fresh after being withdrawn long before extra-time against DR Congo.
Predicted Algeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza.
Algeria vs Nigeria live
14:10 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneWho will book a place in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final?
Only wins between these two.
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 10, 2026
Algeria vs Nigeria for a #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 semi-final spot. Who takes it? 🇩🇿🇳🇬 pic.twitter.com/61TqQ09tIE
Today's settings
14:05 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe stakes are high in Marrakesh this afternoon.
Algeria vs Nigeria latest match odds
14:00 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlgeria to qualify: 5/4
Nigeria to qualify: 4/7
Odds via Betfair (subject to change).
Head to head (h2h) history and results
13:55 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneThe last meeting between Algeria and Nigeria was a friendly in September 2022, when goals from Mahrez and Youcef Atal handed the Desert Warriors a 2-1 win.
Algeria wins: 10
Nigeria wins: 9
Draws: 3
Score prediction
13:50 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAlgeria and Nigeria have been two of the better nations to watch at AFCON so far and an entertaining match is on the cards as both teams are strong in attack.
It’s a quarter-final, therefore the very finest of margins is likely to settle this one and we expect a fresher Nigeria to come out on top against an Algeria side that played 120 minutes on Monday.
Nigeria to win, 2-1.
Nigeria team news
13:45 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneAkor Adams, a scorer in Nigeria’s win over Mozambique, is available to feature against Algeria after being granted permission to leave the camp this week for personal reasons.
With Cyriel Dessers ruled out for the remainder of the tournament through injury, Super Eagles boss Eric Chelle could named an unchanged side.
Algeria team news
13:40 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneIsmael Bennacer is a doubt after being forced off during the win over DR Congo.
The former AC Milan midfielder, now in Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb, is one of four injury concerns along with Jaouen Hadjam, Samir Chergui and Mohamed Tougai.
Elsewhere, captain Riyad Mahrez should be fresh after playing 70 minutes on Monday evening so should start and Adil Boulbina could be rewarded for his winning goal with a first start at the tournament.
How to watch
13:35 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneTV channel: In the UK, the game will be televised live on Channel 4’s network. Coverage begins at 3.30pm GMT on E4 ahead of kick-off at 4pm.
Live stream: Subscribers can also catch the contest live online via All 4.
Live coverage: You can follow all the action right here via Standard Sport’s live blog!
Algeria vs Nigeria live
13:30 , Tashan Deniran-AlleyneHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of Algeria vs Nigeria!
It's the penultimate Africa Cup quarter-final tie and the winners will face host nation Morocco in next week's semi-final.
We’ll have all the latest updates, build-up and team news right here ahead of kick-off, which comes at 4pm GMT from the Marrakesh Stadium. Stick with us!
