Nigeria vs Algeria Match Guide: Latest Team News, XIs, Live Stream Info
Victor Osimhen is expected to lead the line for Nigeria when the Super Eagles face Algeria in a heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday in Marrakesh, despite lingering debate around his conduct in the previous round.
The Napoli striker found himself at the centre of attention during Nigeria’s round-of-16 victory over Mozambique after a heated on-field exchange with team-mate Ademola Lookman. Osimhen was visibly frustrated at not being fed the ball when chasing a hat-trick, directing his anger towards Lookman and full-back Bruno Onyemaechi before captain Wilfred Ndidi intervened, with Calvin Bassey helping calm the situation.
Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle played down the incident in the aftermath, insisting internal matters would remain within the squad. While Chelle hinted that the striker’s behaviour would be addressed, it now appears Osimhen will not be punished by omission as Nigeria chase a place in the semi-finals.
“What happened on the pitch will stay in the group,” Chelle told reporters. “Everything that happens in the life of the group stays in the group.”
The decision to retain Osimhen suggests Chelle is keen to preserve continuity at a critical stage of the tournament. With Cyriel Dessers the only injury concern in the 28-man squad, Nigeria are expected to name an unchanged starting XI, maintaining the 4-4-2 diamond that has underpinned their impressive run so far.
Stanley Nwabali is set to continue in goal behind a defence marshalled by Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey, while Ndidi anchors midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi. Lookman is again expected to operate just behind the front two, where his movement and creativity have been central to Nigeria’s attacking success.
Algeria arrive with questions of their own. The Desert Foxes are monitoring the fitness of midfielder Ismaël Bennacer after he was forced off in the previous round against DR Congo, while Anis Hadj Moussa is likely ruled out for the remainder of the tournament. Jaouen Hadjam could return, but head coach Vladimir Petković may need to reshuffle if Bennacer fails to recover in time.
Despite those concerns, Algeria still boast one of the tournament’s most influential figures in Riyad Mahrez. Now 34, the former Manchester City captain remains Algeria’s creative heartbeat, with three goals already at this AFCON and a reputation for delivering in decisive moments.
Nigeria’s attacking threat, however, is spearheaded by Victor Osimhen, whose physical presence and relentless pressing have stretched defences throughout the competition. Alongside him, Ademola Lookman has arguably been the standout performer of the tournament so far, contributing three goals and four assists and consistently troubling opponents with his direct running.
Probable line-ups
Algeria are expected to line up in a 4-3-3 system, with Luca Zidane in goal behind a back four of Mohamed Belghali, Aïssa Mandi, Ramy Bensebaini and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Hicham Boudaoui, Ismaël Bennacer or Ahmed Zerrouki, and Farès Chaïbi should form the midfield trio, allowing Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura and Ibrahim Maza to lead the attack.
Nigeria are likely to stick with their 4-4-2 diamond: Nwabali in goal; Bright Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey and Onyemaechi in defence; Onyeka, Ndidi and Iwobi in midfield; Lookman supporting a front two of Osimhen and Victor Adams.
Match details and how to watch Nigeria vs Ageria online
In the UK, the match will be shown live on E4, with coverage beginning at 3:30pm GMT. Supporters can also stream the game online via the Channel 4 website, the Channel 4 app, or the Channel 4 Sport YouTube channel.
International viewers can follow the match through major broadcasters worldwide, including Fubo in the USA and Canada, beIN Sports across Australia, Malaysia and the Middle East, FanCode in India, and SuperSport in South and Sub-Saharan Africa.