By our reporter 9.1.2026
Having come this far at the Africa Cup of Nation with convincing performances, against Algeria on Saturday in a high wire quarterfinal in Marrakesh, Morocco, it will be a defining moment for the Super Eagles’s ambition to win the title.
Despite the dramatic uproar over unpaid bonuses, Nigerian football fans are hoping that the Super Eagles will ginger them again with another good outing in the clash of the two teams that have had a good run in the tournament.
The Super Eagles go into the game the top scorers at the tournament with 12 goals in their four games so far, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman sharp and effectively troubling opponents.
Osimhen and Lookman, winners of the African player of the year prize in 2023 and 2024 respectively, have played starring roles with three goals each as Nigeria target Cup of Nations success as a tonic for their World Cup woes.
“The team is improving every single game,” said Lookman, who has also set up four goals at the tournament, after the Mozambique victory.
Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle said all his team needs to do is to maintain their focus.
“I prefer to remain focused now on Marrakech, and there is a game to play,” Chelle said
“The story starts in Marrakech, so we have to stay focused on Marrakech, training sessions, and the next game.
“Physically we are ready, tactically I have to do some job, and technically we are ready.”