Algeria and Nigeria square off in an AFCON quarter-final clash at the Stade de Marrakech, with both teams eyeing a place in the last four.
The Super Eagles are aiming to maintain their perfect record in the competition, while the North Africans are targeting some improvement after a difficult round of 16 fixture.
Algeria came through a difficult outing against DR Congo in the previous round to reach the quarter-finals. They were taken to extra time by the spirited Leopards before Adil Boulbina struck the winner.
Manager Vladimir Petkovic will be demanding an improvement from his team as the Algerians were below their best against DR Congo. The good news is that they remain unbeaten in the competition and had won their previous three matches in regulation time.
Meanwhile, Nigeria had no such problems in their round of 16 clash as they eased to a 4-0 victory over Mozambique. They were comfortable throughout the contest, with Victor Osimhen grabbing a brace while Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams also found the net.
The Super Eagles are enjoying a fine campaign in Morocco and are the only team in the quarter-finals with a perfect record. Eric Chelle's men have also impressed in attack, scoring at least two goals in all four matches.
How the bookies view it: Super Eagles with the edge
Nigeria have the edge among the bookies and are priced at 8/5 by bet365 to claim the win. A victory for Algeria is valued at 21/10 by Paddy Power, while Betfred are offering odds of 2/1 for a draw.
Head to head: Evenly matched rivals
Algeria and Nigeria have picked up six wins apiece, with seven draws from 19 previous matches. The most recent meeting between both teams was a friendly in 2022, which ended 2-1 in favour of the North Africans.
Players to watch: Lookman to shine
Ademola Lookman has stood out for Nigeria at this tournament, scoring three goals and providing four assists. Much of the Super Eagles’ attack goes through the Atalanta forward, who will be the one to watch (Ademola Lookman anytime goalscorer – priced at 10/3 with bet365).
Riyad Mahrez has also impressed for Algeria in this competition, with three goals to his name so far. The forward could be worth keeping an eye on (Riyad Mahrez anytime goalscorer – priced at 12/5 by bet365).
Probable line-ups:
Ismael Bennacer is nursing a hamstring injury and is a doubt for Algeria. Himad Abdelli is likely to start in place of the midfielder, while Mahrez should feature in attack alongside Ibrahim Maza.
Cyriel Dessers is ruled out of the tournament with a thigh problem, with the striker the only injury absentee for Nigeria. Osimhen and Adams should continue their attacking partnership, with Lookman providing support.
Algeria: Zidane, Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri, Boudaoui, Abdelli, Chaibi, Mahrez, Amoura, Maza.
Nigeria: Nwabali, Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi, Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi, Lookman, Adams, Osimhen.
Anything else catch the eye?
Nigeria have qualified for 16 previous AFCON semi-finals (Nigeria to qualify – available at 3/4 on bet365). The Super Eagles have scored first in all four of their matches at this tournament (Nigeria to score first – offered at Evens on William Hill.
Both teams have scored in all four of Nigeria’s matches at this AFCON (BTTS YES – set at Evens on Ladbrokes).
Think both sides will find the net? Our BTTS Masterclass explains how to spot the fixtures where goals are a given.
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