Algeria v Nigeria live: Team news and line-ups from Afcon 2025 quarter-final tonight

Chelle declined to comment about reports that Osimhen was on the verge of walking out of the team after an on-field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles’ 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.

“I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game. Victor is there and that’s all,” Chelle said. “Yes, everyone’s speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it’s normal, they’re the last two best African players, but we’re here to serve them to score, we’re working for them. We’re a team, and that’s what teamwork is all about.”

Nigeria’s preparations for this Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would not comment on the reports Friday, when he said such questions need to be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.

“This is my job, to stay focused — to try to stay focused — to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around,” Chelle said in Marrakech a day before Nigeria plays Algeria in the city.

The NFF still advertises a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men’s team, a year and a day after it appointed Chelle to the position.

Nigerian media outlets reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.

Brahim Diaz was the hero for Morocco and is the top scorer in the tournament so far.

The hosts Morocco sealed their first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with a convincing win over Cameroon.

Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.

Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.

Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty in the second half after what looked like a foul on Bryan Mbeumo but they too battled in the final third and did not force home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a save in the 90 minutes.

Morocco, who have yet to concede a goal in open play at the finals, face the winner of this quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria in the next round, a tie that will be played in Rabat on Wednesday.

Iliman Ndiaye scored the only goal as Senegal booked a semi-final berth at the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in the last four tournaments, beating 10-man Mali 1–0 in the quarter-finals on Friday.

Ndiaye struck after 27 minutes, capitalising on a goalkeeping error to put Senegal ahead in a tense derby against their West African neighbours.

Mali were reduced to 10 men for the second half after captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second booking on the stroke of half-time. He had been cautioned earlier for a clumsy challenge in the 25th minute and was dismissed following a needless foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye.

The Malians had also gone down to 10 men from the 26th minute of their previous clash against Tunisia and still managed to progress on penalties, but there was no such recovery this time against a polished Senegal side.

Nigeria manager Eric Chelle has named the same starting XI as he did for the win over Mozambique in the last 16, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams once again leading the line.

Ademola Lookman plays in the attacking midfield role, with the trio of Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Ndidi anchoring midfield.

Algeria have made just one change from the win over DR Congo, with Ismaël Bennacer coming out of midfield for Ramiz Zerrouki.

Luca Zidane starts in goal once again, with Riyadh Mahrez leading the side in attack and Man City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back.

Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.

Subs: Uzoho, Zaidu, Igoh, Bashiru, Chukwueze, Usman, Simon, Amas, Onyedika, Onuachu, Awaziem, Ejuke, Fago, Nnadi, Akinsanmiro.

Algeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza.

Subs: Mandrea, Dorval, Belaid, Abdelli, Hadj Moussa, Bakrar, Bounedjah, Benbot, Zorgane, Atal, Kebbal, Boulbina, Berkane.

The two line-ups will be confirmed very shortly…