Former Nigeria captain John Obi Mikel has warned the Super Eagles to expect their toughest challenge yet at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nation as the team gears up for the crucial quarterfinals showdown against Algeria.
The West African football heavyweights will lock horns with the North African giants 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.
Speaking on his Obi One podcast, Mikel stressed discipline and focus, while urging the Super Eagles to approach the game with the game the right way.
“We have to make sure we approach the game the right way… it is going to be a tough game against Algeria.” He added that Algeria “play as a team… very aggressive… and they’ve quality players,” urging Nigeria to be on their “A-game.”
Nigeria arrive with a perfect record and 12 goals scored, while Algeria boast the tournament’s best defence, conceding just once in four matches.
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.
