As the Africa Cup of Nations progresses to the quarter-finals, fans eagerly await the clash between Algeria and Nigeria. Scheduled for January 10, 2026, at the Stade de Marrakech, this match pits two of Africa's football powerhouses against each other, both riding high on a wave of recent success.
Prediction Section
Both Algeria and Nigeria enter this match with flawless records in the tournament thus far, each securing three wins from three matches. Algeria leads Group E with 9 points, boasting a formidable goal difference of +6 after scoring 7 goals and conceding just 1. Their recent form shows an impressive sequence of victories, having won all their last four matches.
In contrast, Nigeria, topping Group C, has also accumulated 9 points, though with a slightly less dominant goal difference of +4, having scored 8 goals and allowed 4. Their form mirrors Algeria's, also winning all their recent games leading into this quarter-final.
Historically, Algeria has had the upper hand in recent encounters against Nigeria. In their last three matches, Algeria has emerged victorious twice, with a notable 2-1 win in the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations and another victory in a friendly match in September 2022, where they won 2-1. This psychological edge may play a significant role, particularly in a high-pressure knockout game.
When analyzing their scoring patterns, Algeria averages 2.0 goals per match across the tournament, with a significant contribution from their midfield and attacking players. Nigeria has shown a similar offensive potency with an average of 3.0 goals per match. Both teams have also demonstrated solid defensive capabilities, making this match a potential tactical battle.
Predicted Outcome
Given the current form, historical context, and defensive strengths, Algeria is favored to edge out Nigeria in what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Expect a tightly fought battle, with Algeria likely to secure a narrow victory. Algeria to win 2–1.
