Algeria captain, Riyad Mahrez has admitted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles boast one of the most dangerous attacks at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, the former Manchester City and Leicester City star addressed
– Nigeria’s firepower,
– the pressure of facing one of the tournament’s best sides,
– the historical rivalry between both nations, and
– the emotional weight of what could be his final AFCON appearance.
However, the Desert Warriors skipper insists he feels no fear ahead of their blockbuster quarter-final clash scheduled for Saturday evening (5pm) at the Marrakesh Stadium.
“Nigeria? We Know Them Well” – Mahrez Declares
Mahrez is no stranger to decisive moments against Nigeria, having scored the famous last-minute free-kick that knocked the Super Eagles out in the 2019 AFCON semi-final.
Asked if something similar could happen again, he kept his response open-ended.
“Nigeria? We know them well, the match won’t be easy,” Mahrez said.
“Another last-minute free kick? We will see, anything is possible.”
“I Am Afraid” – Mahrez on Nigeria’s Deadly Attack
Asked about facing Nigeria’s free-scoring frontline led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, Mahrez initially responded with humor before delivering a measured assessment.
“I am afraid,” Mahrez joked, before adding, “Of course, they scored a lot of goals at this competition.”
“They have a very good attack, I can’t deny it. But tomorrow will be tomorrow.”
The 34-year-old was quick to dismiss any suggestion of intimidation.
“I am not scared at all; it’s a football game,” he said.
“We have our own quality, we have our strengths, and I think it will be a good game.”
Nigeria head into the tie as the tournament’s most prolific side, having scored 12 goals in four matches, while Algeria have built their campaign on defensive discipline, conceding just one goal so far.
“This One Will Be More Open” – Comparing Nigeria to DR Congo
Mahrez believes Algeria’s quarter-final against Nigeria will pose a very different challenge from their narrow 1–0 round-of-16 victory over DR Congo.
“In our next game, we’ll be up against a different team than DR Congo,” Mahrez told reporters.
“We think the next game will be more open, giving us more room to show what we can do, and we need to be ready for it.”
Both teams arrive at the last eight with identical records (four wins from four matches), setting up what many consider the biggest fixture of the tournament so far.
“There Is Pressure to Win the Game” – On Expectations and Stakes
With Nigeria and Algeria widely viewed as the two best-performing teams at AFCON 2025, Mahrez acknowledged the pressure surrounding the contest but insisted it remains manageable.
“No, I don’t think… I think of course there is a pressure to win the game,” he said.
“But the pressure to win the tournament is a long way to think about, a long way to go.”
The Algerian captain stressed that both teams deserve to be at this stage.
“Obviously we want to… both teams want to go through. We are both great teams and they will be the best at the game tomorrow,” Mahrez added.
“So I hope it will be us. I hope it will be us and we have to make everything to perform in our best way.”
“History Says It Will Be Close”
Reflecting on the long-standing rivalry between Nigeria and Algeria, Mahrez pointed to their closely matched record.
“Yesterday, I think, between us, it’s like we’re really, really close,” he said.
“I think it’s like eight games, eight wins each or something.”
That history, he believes, points to another tight contest.
“So I think the game of tomorrow will be in our way,” Mahrez continued.
“When you’re looking at the history as well, it’ll be a close game. It’ll be a close game between two very good teams.”
“And like I said, we have to be at our best to win the game tomorrow.”
Read More: AFCON 2025: Everything Eric Chelle Said Ahead of Super Eagles’ Quarterfinals vs Algeria Clash
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Read More: Mozambique Stars Admit Nigeria’s Super Eagles Were Too Strong After AFCON 2025 Exit
“I Think It Will Be My Last AFCON” – Mahrez Hints International Retirement
One of the most emotional moments of Mahrez’s press conference came when he revealed that this tournament is likely his final Africa Cup of Nations.
“I want to do well. I think it will be my last Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
“I don’t want to look too far ahead. Right now, I just want to focus on the next game and give everything, because it is very important for our country, our supporters and our families.”
