Nigeria vs. Algeria: Petkovic braces for stiff Super Eagles’  challenge

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has expressed his excitement ahead of a demanding quarter-final clash against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, describing it as the kind of challenge his team thrives on.

The Fennec Foxes secured their place in the last eight after edging past DR Congo in extra time, with Adil Boulbina scoring a dramatic 119th-minute winner. Nigeria had already confirmed qualification a day earlier following a dominant 4–0 victory over Mozambique, setting up one of the tournament’s most anticipated fixtures.

The two sides will meet at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, with Petkovic already shifting focus to neutralising Nigeria’s formidable attacking threat. “We will start preparing for the match against Nigeria right now by focusing on our strengths,” the coach said.

“I like these kinds of matches because they demand hard work and intensity against teams that are aiming for the title,” he added, underlining his respect for the Super Eagles’ quality.

Both teams topped their respective groups and have impressed throughout the competition. Nigeria boast the tournament’s most prolific attack, scoring 12 goals in four matches, while Algeria have conceded just once, giving them the strongest defensive record so far.

Petkovic, appointed in 2024, has enjoyed an impressive tenure with Algeria, losing just one competitive match while recording 19 wins and three draws. However, he will be mindful of the physical demands on his squad after their 120-minute battle with DR Congo, especially with Nigeria enjoying an extra day of rest.

The encounter also rekindles memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, but with new coaches and fresh squads on both sides, Petkovic believes his team can rise to the occasion in what promises to be a high-intensity quarter-final battle.