The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will enter another crucial stage on January 10, 2026, with two heavyweight quarter-finals scheduled.
Nigeria face Algeria at Stade de Marrakech from 7 PM EAT, before Egypt meet Ivory Coast at Le Grand Stade Agadir at 10 PM, with semi-final places and a shot at continental glory on the line.
Nigeria vs Algeria
Nigeria enter the match against Algeria as AFCON 2025’s most potent attack, with 12 goals in four matches, including an overwhelming 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16.
Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman have been the most influential duo for Nigeria, with three goals each in the 2025 AFCON, while Akor Adams’ emergence has significantly helped improve Nigeria’s attacking.
Algeria, on the other hand, have relied on their defensive ability, conceding only one goal in four matches and advancing thanks to Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute winner against DR Congo.
Vladimir Petković’s side is supported by Luca Zidane in goal, and the experience of Riyad Mahrez, Ramy Bensebaini, and Aïssa Mandi. However, there is some concern over Ismaël Bennacer’s fitness after he limped off in the last round.
Out of the 22 meetings between the two nations, Algeria hold a slim advantage, having won 10 matches, with Nigeria winning 9 and 3 matches ending in draws.
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At AFCON, the Fennecs have won four of their nine tournament duels, including the 2019 semi-final decided by Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick, promising a very tight contest in the Marrakech fixture.
Egypt to Face Defending Champions Ivory Coast
Agadir will stage a classic between defending champions Ivory Coast and record seven-time winners Egypt.
The Elephants eased past Burkina Faso 3–0 in the round of 16, with Amad Diallo scoring one and assisting another to book a face-off with The Pharaohs.
Egypt required extra time to defeat Benin 3–1 in the round of 16, with Mohamed Salah confirming their qualification late in the game after injuries to Mahmoud Trezeguet and Mohamed Hamdy.
Egypt and the Ivory Coast have met eight times at the AFCON finals, producing one of the tournament’s most enduring rivalries.
Egypt hold the historical edge, recording four wins, compared to two victories for Ivory Coast, with two matches ending in draws.
Their most famous meeting came in the 2006 AFCON final in Cairo, when the Ivory Coast lost to Egypt on penalties after a goalless draw.
Egypt later asserted dominance in subsequent tournaments, including a commanding 4–1 group-stage win in 2008, a tournament they went on to win, and a 3–1 victory in the 2010 group stage, during Egypt’s unprecedented run of three consecutive AFCON titles.
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The two sides last met at the finals in 2021, again in the knockout phase, where Egypt advanced on penalties after a tense stalemate.
AFCON 2025 Context and Remaining Fixtures
Today’s matches complete the quarter-final lineup for AFCON 2025 in Morocco, following Friday’s quarter-finals in Tangier and Rabat.
On January 9, Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium to reach the semi-finals, with goals from Brahim Díaz and Ismael Saibari.
On the same day, Senegal beat Mali 1-0 to advance, with Iliman Ndiaye scoring the decisive goal before Mali were reduced to 10 men following a late-first-half red card for Yves Bissouma.
The outcomes of today’s fixtures will determine the two remaining semi-finalists, who will join Morocco and Senegal in the final four of the tournament.
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