Ed DoveJan 9, 2026, 04:17 PM ET

CloseEd Dove is a writer and scout who has a deep and enduring passion for African sport, politics and literature. Instagram: @EddyDove22, Facebook: @EddyDoveAfrica

RABAT, Morocco — For the first time ever, all eight Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinalists are among Africa’s top 10 teams in the FIFA World Rankings, and a tournament that has been largely devoid of shocks so far.

The quarters are primed to deliver us some high-quality (and nail-biting) Last Eight showdowns.

Having got all eight of his Last 16 predictions correct, Ed Dove is far less confident ahead of the quarters, and expects cagey contests, tense finales, and tears aplenty as giants of Africa are set to fall by the wayside.

Ed Dove’s Prediction: Senegal to advance – CORRECT!

Ed Dove’s Prediction: Morocco to advance – CORRECT!

Akor Adams scored Nigeria’s fourth goal against Mozambique. Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images

Marrakesh, January 10, 4pm UK/6pm CAT

Nigeria have been the outstanding team at the Nations Cup so far, scoring more goals than any other team, taking more shots, and completing more passes.

Their midfield, notably Alex Iwobi, has given them control, while the swirling attacking threats of Ademola Lookman (showing the form that once made him African Footballer of the Year), Victor Osimhen, Samuel Chukwueze and Akor Adams has given them a vibrancy and a cutting edge in attack that no other team can match.

Pre-tournament concerns about the defensive solidity have largely been unfounded, despite some nervy moments from goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, although Algeria and their myriad offensive options represent a much sterner challenge than they’ve faced so far.

The Fennecs rivalled Nigeria as the most impressive team of the group stage, but they found the going much tougher against the Democratic Republic of Congo in the Last 16, requiring Adil Boulbina‘s stunning 119th-minute winner to advance in extra time.

Against the Leopards, the defensive partnership of Aïssa Mandi and Ramy Bensebaini found themselves fraught and under pressure, while Riyad Mahrez‘s influence waned before his 69th-minute withdrawal.

There’s a concern Algeria are losing steam at the wrong time, and while the exciting Mohammed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza will represent fresh new tests for this Super Eagles backline, they will struggle to contain Nigeria’s ‘AOL’ frontline.

It remains to be seen whether playing 24 hours after Nigeria, and going for 30 minutes more, will impact Algeria as they travel to Marrakesh for Saturday’s showdown.

Similarly, bubbling tension within the Nigeria camp cannot be ignored, whether it’s between Eric Chelle and the media, Osimhen and Lookman, or the Super Eagles and the NFF as the question of unpaid AFCON bonuses is leading to threats of boycotting training.

Ed Dove’s Prediction: Nigeria to advance

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Do Algeria fans believe they can overcome Nigeria?

ESPN caught up with Algeria fans following their 1-0 victory over DR Congo, as confidence grows ahead of a quarterfinal showdown with Nigeria at AFCON.

Agadir, January 10, 7pm UK, 9pm CAT

Based on the evidence of the tournament so far, the Ivory Coast have to be considered favourites here. While Egypt have looked staid, lacking invention and one-dimensional, the Elephants have looked confident, physically impressive, cohesive, and with multiple ways of hurting teams.

Amad Diallo, with three goals and an assist so far, is emerging as one of the stars of the tournament, and a genuine talisman for the defending champions, while the Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré pairing in the midfield (whether joined by Seko Fofana, Jean Michaël Seri, or Christ Oulahi) is one of the most powerful and well-rounded in the competition.

Emerse Fae, while perhaps not the most tactically proficient coach at the Nations Cup, has effectively integrated youngsters and new faces — the likes of Yan Diomande and Bazoumana Touré look the part already — while the defence hasn’t been unduly impacted by the loss of Wilfried Singo (so far at least).

For Egypt, only Omar Marmoush, in flashes, has sought to bring vitality to this side, with Mohamed Salah‘s three goals to date somewhat papering over the cracks in a limited side which hasn’t improved the coaching stock of manager Hossam Hassan so far.

However, this is Egypt we’re talking about. They’re the team who took a silver medal in 2021 despite not winning a single knockout game in 90 minutes while scoring just four goals across their seven matches.

So it’s hard to confidently bet against them, particularly given the star quality in attack, but based on their tournament route so far, the defending champions are playing with a cohesion and a exuberance that the Pharaohs cannot match.

Neither Hassan nor Fae have impressed with their tactical approach to date at this Nations Cup, with questionable decisions not being punished by their opponents; don’t expect a tactical masterclass on Saturday.

Ed Dove’s Prediction: Ivory Coast to advance