After an impressive group-stage campaign, Algeria edged past DR Congo in the Round of 16, a tense contest settled by Adil Boulbina’s superb strike in the 119th minute of extra time. That defensive record will face its sternest test against Nigeria, who boast the competition’s most potent attack with 12 goals in four games. Mahrez, along with Baghdad Bounedjah, Ismaël Bennacer and Ramy Bensebaini, are survivors of Algeria’s 2019 triumph, bringing experience and composure when pressure builds, while young players like Fares Chaibi are proving pivotal to the team's character. Algeria have won 11 of their past 14 internationals, but in their first match outside Rabat, that record will be in jeopardy. Their most recent meeting with Nigeria came in the 2019 AFCON semi-final, when Mahrez’s stoppage-time free-kick sealed a 2–1 victory on the way to the title.

Source: The North Africa Journal January 08, 2026 23:40 UTC