Day 20 (Tuesday, 6 January, 2026)
It’s Algeria Versus Nigeria…..Again!
Quarterfinal Set For Marrakech Showdown
THE quarterfinal pairings of the 2025 AFCON are complete and it is the Fennecs of Algeria that will face Nigeria’s Super Eagles in Marrakech in a mouth-watering clash at 5.00pm on Saturday, January the 10th. Just when it looked like they (Algeria) were heading for a penalty shootout in their Round of 16 clash with the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat, substitute Adil Boulbina fired an unstoppable shot off the underside of the crossbar and into the roof of the net to send the Desert Warriors through in the 118th minute.
Perfect Group Runs And A Rivalry Rekindled
There seemed to be an inevitability about it. Nigeria and Algeria were the only teams to win all their three matches in the group phase and come out with perfect nine points at this AFCON. And there’s a long history of rivalry between the two nations which the African continent would be blessed to see rekindled on its biggest stage. So, here we are.
Personal AFCON Memories: Lagos 1980 To Algiers 1990
This fixture also holds significant memories for me personally. The first AFCON that I watched on television was 1980 when Nigeria defeated Algeria 3-0 in the final in Lagos to win our first title. The first AFCON that I wrote about as a journalist was 1990 when Algeria defeated Nigeria 1-0 in the final in Algiers to also win their own first title.
From Commentary Box To Morocco Reunion
The first time that I was put on a live television commentary was in 1993 when Mainasara Illo of the Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) invited me to be his shadow commentator for a Nigeria-Algeria FIFA World Cup qualifier at the National Stadium in Lagos. Coincidentally, Mainasara and I ran into each at the Fez Stadium during Nigeria’s 4-0 thumping of Mozambique in our Round of 16 game on Monday. We rekindled the old days, but I digress.
Mahrez’s 2019 Heartbreak Still Fresh
The last time Nigeria and Algeria met at the AFCON in 2019, the North Africans ran away with a 2-1 win in the semifinals, courtesy of an explosive late free kick winner from the left foot of their talisman, Riyad Mahrez.
Tactical Balance: Defence Versus Firepower
What will happen in this umpteenth Nigeria-Algeria confrontation? Honestly, it’s a 50-50 game and that’s not me sitting on the fence. Algeria have shown defensive solidity in conceding only one goal so far in Morocco. They defeated Sudan 3-0, Burkina Faso 1-0 and Equitorial Guinea 3-1 in the group phase before the 1-0 win over DR Congo. By contrast, Nigeria has conceded four goals so far, but also scored more in wins over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), Uganda (3-1) and Mozambique (4-0).
Osimhen, Lookman And The Final Call
How well Algeria’s defence cope with Nigeria’s strikers Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola “Dangerous” Lookman will probably decide this quarterfinal match. Victory can go either way because of the quality both sides have displayed at this AFCON. But, out of patriotic zeal and the strength and creativity of our forward line, I’m calling this one for the Super Eagles.
Good luck, Nigeria.
Moroccans Adopt Super Eagles
DESPITE having to leave the city of Fez where they have played all their matches so far and been adopted by the local populace as their own, the Super Eagles will not be lacking support in the quarterfinal in Marrakech either.
Algeria and Morocco are not the best of neighbours due to a recurring border dispute that actually resulted in the ‘Sand War’ between both countries in 1963. Political tensions have remained ever since and, in 2023, Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune actually stated that the relations between the two countries had reached a “point of no return due to Morocco’s continued provocation of Algeria.”
Therefore, while Algerian fans from across the border have not been debarred from coming to Morocco and have been filing the stadium to support their team, Moroccan fans will be turning out massively to support the Super Eagles to help eject Algeria from the tournament. It promises to be an interesting clash of voices and whistles in the stands in Marrakech. The Eagles are scheduled to leave Fez on Thursday ahead of the game on Saturday.
Osimhen-Lookman Matter Settled
I RECEIVED a call from my cousin in Nigeria that the altercation between Super Eagles strikers Victor Osimhen and Ademola “Dangerous” Lookman during our last match against Mozambique had “torn Nigeria apart.”
“Everyone is talking about it on radio, on television, in the marketplaces, in the offices and on social media,” I was told. “Nigerians are divided over the matter. Some are blaming Osimhen, others are supporting him.”
I couldn’t help but wonder. If this Osimhen affair is ‘tearing Nigeria apart’, what are Venezuelans supposed to do following the grabbing of their President by Donald Trump? Obviously, football is more important to Nigerians than politics and it’s not unlikely that our folks will vote for Osimhen or Lookman over any other Presidential candidate at the moment.
Anyway, the good news is that the Osimhen-Lookman affair has been settled and both of them will be lining up side-by-side against Algeria on Saturday. The Eagles conducted a recovery training session at the usual Sardienne Complex in Fez on Tuesday evening and there was no sign of any rancour within the squad. The rumours that Osimhen had left the Eagles camp was just that: rumours.
But, will the episode affect Lookman in particular on Saturday? Will it play on his mind and affect his decision making on whether to pass or not to pass the ball to Osimhen at crucial moments? We will have to wait and see, but I hope not.
The Other Quarterfinals…..
Senegal versus Mali in Tanger (5.00pm on Friday)
ASIDE from the Super Eagles, the Teranga Lions of Senegal are the other team that have greatly impressed me at this AFCON. Champions in 2021 but surprisingly eliminated in the quarterfinals in 2023 by eventual winners Côte d’Ivoire due to overconfidence, Sadio Mane and teammates are back here looking to right the wrongs of two years ago. Physically strong and technically sound, I’m tipping them to beat the Eagles of Mali in their all West-African showdown.
Morocco versus Cameroun in Rabat (8.00pm on Friday)
THE host country Morocco will do well to be wary of a young but dangerous Cameroun side. Historically, the Indomitable Lions are the biggest undertakers of host countries at the AFCON and Morocco can point to their own bitter experience at the hands of Cameroun legend Roger Milla and company in 1988 when they (Morocco) hosted but were knocked out by Cameroun in the semi-finals. Will lightening strike a second time in this quarterfinal? Morocco, beware!
Egypt versus Côte d’Ivoire in Agadir (8.00pm on Saturday)
THE smart money will be on Mohammed Salah and the Pharaohs of Egypt to end the reign of the Elephants of Côte d’Ivoire as African champions. The Egyptians are the most crafty opponents you can find in African football, combining great technical ability with speed and craftiness. The last of their record seven titles was far back in 2010 and Salah is desperate to be crowned African Champions with his country. The Elephants might have reached their last bus stop in Morocco unless the brilliant Amad Diallo can inspire them again.
My Mr.ChefNigeria semi-final tips:
• Morocco versus Nigeria
• Senegal versus Egypt
Join Me On Social Media…..
Aside from my Daily Dairy, I have been uploading some videos on social media since the start of the AFCON 2025. Please subscribe and watch on the following channels and/or handles……
• YouTube: @mrchefnigeria6045; @OfficialMuminiAlao
• Instagram: @mrchefnigeria; @muminialao2002
• TikTok: Mrchefnigeria; @official.mumini.alao
• Facebook: @Mr.chef Nigeria; @Mumini Alao
• X (Formerly Twitter): @MrchefNigeria; @Mumini_Alao.
• Snapchat: Mrchefnigeria;
By Mumini Alao, in Fez
Photos by Ganiyu Yusuf
