Algeria defender Zinedine Belaid insists his outfit achieved a well-deserved victory against DR Congo in the last 16 of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
The North African football heavyweights narrowly triumphed over DR Congo to set up a tie against the Super Eagles, who made light work of Mozambique to a book a place in the quarterfinals.
The much-anticipated clash between Algeria and DR Congo travelled to extra-time after a pulsating goalless draw in regular time, with Adel Boulbina’s rocket shot strike in the 118th-minute securing victory for the North African country over the Leopards.
“We achieved a well-deserved victory over Congo, and this is due to the excellent atmosphere and spirit within the Algerian national team. We are all working together with the aim of going as far as possible in the Africa Cup of Nations.”
“We will face a very strong Nigerian team, but from our side, we are not focusing as much on the opponent as we are focusing on our own performance. We will strive to put on a great performance in order to continue the journey, and we must remain focused until the end.”
“I always give my all to contribute on the pitch when I have the opportunity, and I hope to live up to expectations whenever I am relied upon.”
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.
