Algeria midfielder Ismaël Bennacer is a major doubt for the upcoming quarterfinals clash against Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
Bennacer was forced off with an injury after just four minutes into the second half, as his outfit triumphed over DR Congo to secure a place in the last 8 of the continental showpiece.
The Dinamo Zagreb midfielder is struggling with a hamstring injury, raising concerns about a potential tear. Bennacer could miss the crucial clash against the Super Eagles scheduled for Saturday to avoid aggravating the injury.
Meanwhile, the decision on Bennacer’s involvement for the high-stake clash will be made by the Algeria technical team.
Bennacer has already featured in three matches at the continental showpiece, missing only the inconsequential fixture against Equatorial Guinea.
Algeria will lock horns with the Super Eagles of Nigeria at the Marrakech Stadium on January 10, 2026, with both teams seeking for a win to secure a place in the semifinals of the tournament.
The last encounter between Algeria and Nigeria dates back to the semi-finals of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, during which the Greens achieved victory by two goals to one. Algeria went ahead to secure the title for the second time in their history during the 2019 tournament.
