Sports

Algeria dispatch DRC to set up ‘derby’ against Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

January 7, 2026

MAIN

Algeria dispatch DRC to set up ‘derby’ against Nigeria

Football – 2025 Africa Cup of Nations – Nigeria v Mozambique – Fez Stadium – Fes

Geny Cipriano Catamo of Mozambique tackled by Bright Osayi Samuel of Nigeria during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Nigeria and Mozambique at Fez Stadium in Fes, Morocco on 05 January 2026 ©Samuel Shivambu/BackpagePix

· Super Eagles begin training for Saturday’s Q-Finals

Perennial campaigner, Fennecs of Algeria, has setup a dream quarter-final fixture against three-time champions, the Super Eagles, after a late winner last night put the North African side into the last eight of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Algeria substitute Adil Boulbina slammed home the last-gasp winner a minute from the end of extra time to see his side overcome the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in their Round of 16^th encounter at the Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat.

Just as the round-of-16 tie was headed to a penalty shootout, Boulbina cut in off the left wing before unleashing a dipping shot that flew in, clipping the underside of the crossbar on the way in for a well-deserved win for Algeria who are seeking a third continental title following previous success at home in 1990 and in 2019 in Egypt.

Victory for Algeria means the highly expected ‘grudge match’ between Nigeria and Democratic Republic of Congo following the outcome of their last clash in the 2026 World Cup CAF Play-offs last November, has been put into the cooler.

Algeria will now be up against Nigeria in their quarter-final tie in Marrakesh on Saturday.

Incidentally, Nigeria and Algeria are ‘old customers’ as far as the AFCON is concerned and their upcoming quarter-final duel in Marrakech is undoubtedly a continental derby.

While Nigeria beat Algeria 3-0 to win their maiden title in 1980 , the North Africans also took their first title in 1990 with a 1-0 winner over their West African arch-rivals. Altogether both sides have met 22 times in the past with Algeria notching 10 wins to Nigeria’s 9 while they drew the three other encounters.

Meanwhile, the Super Eagles began their preparations for the eagerly awaited duel against Algeria with all the 26 available players including young defender Ryan Alebiosu who continues on his recovery path, reportedly involved in yesterday’s session at the Sardienne Complex.

The Super Eagles are expected to move tomorrow to the city of Marrakech for the Saturday’s quarter-final duel scheduled to kick off at 5pm.

AFCON 2025: QUARTER-FINALS PAIRINGS

9 January 2026

Tangier: Mali vs. Senegal