Algeria\u2019s round-of-16 clash with DR Congo presented them with their sternest test so far, but the Desert Warriors rose to the occasion, securing a 1-0 win in dramatic fashion after extra time as Adil Boulbina\u2019s 119th-minute strike proved decisive.<\/p>\n
That strong showing has contributed to an impressive run of 11 wins from the last 14 matches across all competitions, with the two-time continental champions’ only defeat in that stretch coming via a penalty shoot-out against the United Arab Emirates in the FIFA Arab Cup.<\/p>\n
However, despite their momentum, there will be a note of caution heading into Saturday\u2019s clash, as Algeria have fallen at this very stage in four of their last six AFCON knockout appearances.<\/p>\n
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\u00a9 Imago \/ Shengolpixs<\/p>\n
Progressing beyond the quarter-finals has rarely been an issue for Nigeria, who have reached at least the semi-finals in 15 of their previous 20 AFCON participations, including the last edition, where they finished runners-up.<\/p>\n
Looking to make amends for that near miss \u2014 and the disappointment of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup \u2014 lifting the continental crown would go a long way for the Super Eagles, who have gone about that ambition in impressive fashion so far.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Eric Chelle<\/a>\u2019s men have won all four of their matches at this tournament, scoring a competition-high 12 goals and conceding four, though Nigeria\u2019s round-of-16 victory over Mozambique marked their first clean sheet of the campaign.<\/p>\n The three-time AFCON champions made light work of their opponent in that encounter, netting four times through a Victor Osimhen<\/a> brace and strikes from Ademola Lookman<\/a> and Akor Adams<\/a>.<\/p>\n That victory, however, was slightly overshadowed by an on-field fracas involving Osimhen, Lookman and Bruno Onyemaechi<\/a>, though the Super Eagles are reported to have put the incident behind them ahead of a stern test against familiar foes.<\/p>\n Nigeria are winless in their last four meetings with Algeria, losing the most recent three, including a 2\u20131 defeat in the 2019 AFCON semi-finals, with the other two losses coming in friendly encounters in 2020 and 2022. Algeria Africa Cup of Nations form:<\/p>\n Algeria form (all competitions):<\/p>\n Nigeria Africa Cup of Nations form:<\/p>\n Nigeria form (all competitions):<\/p>\n Team News \u00a9 Imago \/ Shengolpixs<\/p>\n Algeria are sweating over the fitness of midfielder Ismael Bennacer<\/a>, who was forced off against DR Congo, leaving his availability in doubt.<\/p>\n Jaouen Hadjam, who missed the last two games after picking up an injury against Burkina Faso, could return, with reports suggesting he required around a week to recover, while Anis Hadj Moussa is likely to be unavailable for the remainder of the tournament due to fitness issues.<\/p>\n Boulbina is pushing for a start after his decisive strike last time out, while Riyad Mahrez<\/a> is in contention for the Golden Boot, having netted three times \u2014 one fewer than Morocco\u2019s Brahim Diaz.<\/p>\n Nigeria\u2019s Lookman and Osimhen are also tied on three goals, while Alexander Iwobi will be tasked with providing creativity in midfield.<\/p>\n The Super Eagles appear to have a fully fit squad, meaning Chelle is likely to retain his preferred 4-4-2 diamond and the lineup deployed against Mozambique and Tunisia.<\/p>\n Stanley Nwabali should continue in goal, shielded by Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey and Onyemaechi, with captain Wilfred Ndidi<\/a> sitting at the base of midfield.<\/p>\n Frank Onyeka is expected to operate from the right side, with Lookman supporting a front two of Osimhen and Adams. Algeria possible starting lineup:<\/p>\n Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza<\/p>\n Nigeria possible starting lineup:<\/p>\n Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n We say: Algeria 1-2 Nigeria<\/p>\n
This is a finely balanced contest between the only two sides to have won all four of their matches so far, also pitting the tournament\u2019s tightest defence against its most prolific attack.<\/p>\n With goals expected at both ends, Nigeria\u2019s attacking firepower could prove decisive, and we are backing the Super Eagles to edge a narrow victory.<\/p>\n
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