Former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel believes Nigeria’s quarter-final showdown with Algeria will be the sternest examination of Eric Chelle’s side at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, warning the players that anything short of full concentration could prove costly.
Nigeria arrived in Marrakech with momentum firmly on their side, boasting a flawless record and an impressive 12 goals scored across four matches. Algeria, however, presents a contrasting but equally formidable profile, entering the quarter-finals with the tournament’s best defensive record, having conceded just once so far.
Speaking on his Obi One Podcast, Mikel highlighted the discipline, cohesion, and physical edge of the North Africans, stressing that the Super Eagles must approach the encounter with maximum professionalism.
“We have to make sure we approach the game the right way because it is going to be a tough game against Algeria,” Mikel said.
“Algeria are an excellent team. They play as a team. I’ve watched them a couple of times.”
“They are very aggressive; they’ve got quality players, so the Super Eagles need to be on their A-game.”
Beyond the tactical challenge, the fixture carries deep emotional significance for Nigeria. It serves as a rematch of the painful 2019 AFCON semi-final, when Riyad Mahrez’s stoppage-time free kick sealed a 2–1 defeat and ended Nigeria’s title hopes in Cairo.
While the Super Eagles would later claim the bronze medal, that late heartbreak remains one of the most haunting moments in recent AFCON history, a memory Chelle’s side will be determined to erase with victory in Morocco.
With Nigeria’s free-flowing attack set to collide with Algeria’s steel defensive structure, Saturday’s encounter promises to be a defining moment in AFCON 2025. As Mikel cautioned, talent alone will not be enough; focus, discipline, and composure will decide whether old wounds are finally healed or reopened once again.
