Chelle, Petković Set Tone as Nigeria, Algeria Brace for AFCON Quarter-Final Showdown
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle and Algeria’s Vladimir Petković struck confident notes ahead of
Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Marrakech, as both sides prepare for a high-
stakes clash between the tournament’s most prolific attack and its tightest defence.
Chelle said focus and unity would be decisive against the Fennecs, insisting his side were not
distracted by past meetings.
“It’s crucial to maintain focus on the pitch. The mindset is paramount and our group will remain
united,” the Super Eagles boss said, adding that his priority was simply to compete fiercely and
qualify.
Petković, meanwhile, stressed discipline and balance, backing Algeria to extend their strong run
against Nigeria. “The most important thing is the state of mind,” he said. “All the details will
matter. We believe in ourselves and we must play a big game.”
Nigeria booked their place in the last eight with a dominant 4-0 win over Mozambique,
becoming the first team in AFCON history to win their opening four matches of a single
tournament.
Algeria advanced after a 1-0 extra-time victory over DR Congo, with their campaign built on
defensive organisation rather than attacking volume.
Speaking next, Super Eagles vice-captain Moses Simon dismissed talk of revenge for the 2019
semi-final defeat to Algeria. “That is in the past. We just want to win tomorrow,” he said. “We
don’t have revenge in our mindset. We work every day to progress and to win through
mentality.”
Simon also played down the idea that North African teams pose special problems for Nigeria,
pointing to recent wins over Tunisia, and praised the attacking unit led by Victor Osimhen and
Ademola Lookman.
Lookman echoed that confidence, saying Nigeria’s belief continues to grow as they chase a
fourth continental title.
“Another big battle awaits us. We need to be intelligent, aggressive on the ball and keep the
same mentality,” said the Atalanta forward, who has three goals and four assists at the
tournament.
From the Algerian camp, captain Riyad Mahrez acknowledged Nigeria’s firepower with a smile.
“Of course they scored a lot of goals and have a very good attack,” he said. “But we also have
our own quality. It will be a good game.” Mahrez added that this could be his final AFCON,
increasing his motivation.
Off the pitch, the Confederation of African Football moved to ease tensions by changing the
match official. Senegalese referee Issa Sy has been appointed after CAF withdrew Somalian
referee Omar Artan amid concerns over perceived questionable calls in previous matches.
Kick-off is 5pm Nigerian time in Marrakech.
