Nigeria’s quarter-final opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations have been confirmed, with Algeria booking a blockbuster last-eight meeting against the Super Eagles after edging DR Congo 1–0 after extra time on Tuesday night in Rabat.
A 119th-minute winner from substitute Adil Boulbina finally settled a tense, attritional contest that had appeared destined for penalties, sending the Desert Warriors through and setting up a mouthwatering reunion with Nigeria in Marrakesh.
Late Boulbina Thunderbolt Sends Algeria Through
The round-of-16 encounter between Algeria and DR Congo produced few clear chances across 90 minutes, as both sides cancelled each other out in both midfield and defense.
Goalkeepers Luca Zidane (Algeria) and Dimitry Mpasi (DR Congo) were largely untroubled early on but made key interventions to keep the scoreline level as the match wore on.
Algeria dominated possession for long spells but found it difficult to break down a compact Congolese backline.
DR Congo nearly stole it in stoppage time of regulation when Fiston Mayele’s header was diverted just wide, a moment that briefly stunned the Algerian bench.
Extra time saw Algeria gradually increase the pressure. Clearer chances arrived, with Mpasi producing important saves to deny Fares Chaibi and Baghdad Bounedjah as the contest drifted towards penalties.
With barely a minute left of extra time, Adil Boulbina, introduced from the bench, combined neatly in the build-up before cutting inside and unleashing a powerful, unstoppable strike into the top corner.
The goal, his first senior international strike, sealed a 1–0 victory and sparked wild celebrations among the largely Algerian-supporting crowd.
Nigeria vs Algeria: A Familiar AFCON Rivalry Renewed
The result sets up a quarter-final showdown between Nigeria and Algeria, two of Africa’s traditional powerhouses, 10th of January, in Marrakesh .
It is also a repeat of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, where Algeria edged Nigeria 2–1 on their way to lifting the trophy.
Recent history slightly favors the Desert Warriors, who have won the last four meetings between the sides.
Saturday’s clash will be the 23rd meeting between the nations in all competitions.
Nigeria have recorded nine wins, Algeria ten, with three draws, underlining how finely balanced the rivalry has been over the decades.
Super Eagles Flying with Confidence and Firepower
Nigeria arrive at the quarter-finals with momentum firmly on their side after producing some of the tournament’s most convincing performances.
The Super Eagles opened their campaign with a hard-fought 2–1 victory over Tanzania, with Semi Ajayi and Ademola Lookman on target.
That was followed by a thrilling 3–2 win over Tunisia, as Victor Osimhen, Wilfred Ndidi and Lookman struck to send Nigeria top of Group C.
With qualification already secured, the final group match against Uganda allowed for rotation, but Nigeria’s depth still shone through in a 3–1 win, despite Uganda being reduced to ten men.
Paul Onuachu scored once, while Raphael Onyedika netted a brace.
In the round of 16, the Super Eagles delivered their most complete performance yet, sweeping aside Mozambique 4–0.
Osimhen struck twice, with further goals from Lookman and Akor Adams, as Nigeria combined control, pace and ruthless finishing.
So far, Nigeria have averaged three goals per game, emerging as one of the most dangerous attacking sides at AFCON 2025.
Algeria’s Perfect Group Run Meets Its First Real Test
Algeria’s route to the quarter-finals has been just as assured, albeit less free-scoring in the knockout phase.
The Desert Warriors were, alongside Nigeria, the only team to win all three group matches, opening with a 3–1 victory over Equatorial Guinea, followed by a 1–0 win against Burkina Faso, before closing the group stage with a composed 3–0 success over Sudan.
Tuesday’s dramatic extra-time win over DR Congo, however, represented their sternest test so far, pushing them into the AFCON quarter-finals for only the eighth time in their history.
For Nigeria, the clash offers a chance to halt Algeria’s recent dominance and move a step closer to a fourth AFCON title, while for Algeria, it is an opportunity to reaffirm their credentials as serious contenders for a third continental crown.
