Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has backed his side to deliver a complete performance against Nigeria when both giants collide in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Speaking ahead of the high-profile encounter, the Bosnian-Swiss tactician stressed that mental strength and tactical discipline would be decisive against the Super Eagles, whom his side have enjoyed recent success against.
Everything starts with the state of mind, and from that point of view, we are irreproachable, Petković said. We have reliability and quality. Tomorrow we must be strong both defensively and offensively. Against Nigeria, every detail matters and nothing can be left to chance.
Petković also expressed belief that his squad has the depth and experience to rise to the occasion, as the Fennecs aim to extend a run that has seen them avoid defeat against Nigeria since 2016.
However, Nigeria’s head coach Eric Chelle has played down recent history, insisting that past meetings including Algeria’s dramatic 2019 AFCON semi-final victory will have no bearing on Saturday’s contest.
I am not thinking about revenge for 2019. That is the past, Chelle said. This is about the present and about qualifying. We respect Algeria, but our focus is to compete and win.
Chelle added that his players are fully locked in on the task ahead, describing unity and concentration as key weapons for the Super Eagles in a match he expects to be fiercely contested.
Saturday’s showdown will be the 25th senior-level meeting between both nations, underlining a rivalry rich in drama and memorable moments. Algeria have claimed 10 wins, Nigeria nine, while five matches have ended in draws, including the famous 1988 AFCON semi-final in Morocco that Nigeria won on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw.
With a semi-final ticket at stake and pride on the line, another intense chapter is set to be written in one of Africa’s most storied football rivalries when Nigeria and Algeria face off in Marrakech.
