Mahrez: Nigeria clash won't be easy as Algeria seek AFCON revenge
Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has warned his team that Saturday's AFCON quarter-final against Nigeria will be a tough battle. Speaking after Algeria's Round of 16 win over DR Congo on Thursday, Mahrez referenced their dramatic 2019 semi-final victory where his last-minute free-kick knocked the Super Eagles out. "We know Nigeria well, the match won't be easy," Mahrez said. "Anything is possible."
The North Africans face Nigeria at the quarter-final stage in a rematch of the 2019 clash that ended Nigeria's campaign. Mahrez's 93rd-minute free-kick secured Algeria's progression to the final where they eventually won the tournament. Nigeria have not beaten Algeria in AFCON competition since that 2019 encounter.
Saturday's match will determine which team progresses to the semi-finals. With Mahrez warning of another tight contest, Nigeria must prepare for a North African side that understands their tactical setup. Will the Super Eagles get revenge for 2019, or will Algeria prove too strong once again?