By Dianabasi Effiong

Saturday’s third quarter-final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) remains the pick of the last-8 clashes as Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria clash for the 23rd time at senior level.

Their first encounter was at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos 55 years ago.

According to the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), games between both teams over the past five-and-a-half decades have been laced with thrills and frills, shocking scorelines, drama, end-game flips, stunning comebacks, awesome performances by star players, and a bit of infamy.

The encounter in Marrakech will be the 10th time that both countries will clash in Africa’s biggest football championship, with Nigeria having won only three of the previous nine duels. Algeria have won four, and the other two have ended in stalemates.

One stalemate was the infamous clash of Bouake in 1984, when both teams were suspected to have ‘reached an accord’ to play a scoreless draw in order for both teams to qualify to the semi-finals, and get Cup holders Ghana eliminated.

Nigeria defeated Algeria to win their first AFCON trophy on home soil in 1980, and 10 years later, Algeria defeated Nigeria to win their first AFCON on home soil!

Marrakechi, Morocco’s fourth largest city, is set to host a massive showdown that will create its own story as a chapter in the book of one of African football’s greatest rivalries.

FIFA World Cup Do-Me-I -Do-You

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (10 October 1981): The highest-stakes confrontations between Nigeria and Algeria have been in FIFA World Cup qualifying series, starting with the shocking defeat of then reigning African champions Nigeria by the Fennecs in Lagos in October 1981.

Before the match, a couple of decisions by the NFA (including an increase in match ticket prices) did not go down well with the players. A couple of retired players were brought back to the team, creating discontent and disharmony. Algeria ran away with a 2-0 win, both goals scored in the first half.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (30 October 1981): In Constantine three weeks later, not much could be rescued. The Eagles lost 1-2 and crashed out of the race.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (03 July 1993):Visitors Algeria raced to an early lead through striker Abdelhafid Tasfaout, but Nigeria clawed their way back starting with Jay Jay Okocha’s free-kick, and an imperious Rashidi Yekini display, to win 4-1.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (08 Oct 1993):Algeria fought hard to stop Nigeria’s bid for a first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket, but failed. Finidi George’s first-half goal was enough for a 1-1 finish and Nigeria’s ticket to USA 1994 was assured.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (03 July 2004):Joseph Yobo rose above everyone else at the far post to score Nigeria’s only goal in Abuja in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (04 Sep 2005):Nigeria needed to win to stabilize their campaign, and in the event, ran the Fennecs off the park on a cold night in Oran. Obafemi Martins (a brace), John Utaka, Christian Obodo, and Ayo Makinwa were the scorers as the Eagles won 5-2.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (12 Nov 2016):Algeria arrived in Uyo thinking they would go back with the three points, but the relentless Super Eagles claimed a terrific 3-1 win, with a memorable performance by Victor Moses.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (10 Nov 2017):Nigeria had already qualified for the FIFA World Cup before this match, but it was still a well-contested game in Constantine that ended 1-1. The result was overturned after Nigeria was found to have fielded an ineligible player, and Algeria declared 3-0 winners.

AFCON Blocades

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (22 Mar 1980):Two goals by Olusegun Odegbami, one by Mudashiru Lawal, and Nigeria lifted the AFCON trophy for the first time. The venue was the National Stadium, Surulere, and the match was attended by President Shehu Shagari and a number of cabinet ministers.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (10 Mar 1982):Defending champions Nigeria took the lead through Emmanuel Osigwe, but the Fennecs rallied back with an equalizer late in the first half, and then scored early in the second period to achieve victory.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (11 Mar 1984):The match referee had to give both teams a yellow card as they made no genuine attempt to score, with fans believing they had ‘reached an accord’ to settle for a scoreless draw and progress to the last 4 at the expense of Cup holders Ghana. It ended 0-0, and both made it to the semi-finals, where Nigeria edged out Egypt on a penalty shootout, and Algeria lost to eventual winners Cameroon.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (23 Mar 1988):Sam Okwaraji’s shot was deflected into the net for Nigeria’s goal before Algeria equalized. Nigeria finished with 10 men following Ademola Adeshina’s red card, but went on to win the match in a sudden-death penalty shootout.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (02 March 1990): Hosts Algeria got their biggest-ever win over Nigeria in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations finals. The goals came from Rabah Madjer and teammates, before Emma Okocha pulled one back for Nigeria.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (16 Mar 1990):Two weeks later, Algeria lifted their first AFCON title following a 1-0 over Nigeria in the final, Cherif Oudjani making hay with a long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Alloy Agu.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (21 Jan 2002):Nigeria had the upper hand all through, and picked the maximum three points at the 26 March Stadium in Bamako thanks to a goal by Julius Aghahowa.

NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (30 Jan 2010):Nigeria again won by the odd goal in the third-place match of the Africa Cup of Nations finals in Angola, following a goal by Obinna Nsofor after excellent work by Nwankwo Kanu.

ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (14 Jul 2019): Riyad Mahrez was the hero as the Super Eagles fell 1-2 in a tumultuous Africa Cup of Nations semi-final match at the Cairo International Stadium.

The Elephants came from behind to beat Nigeria 2-1 to win their third CAF Africa Cup of Nations title on Sunday (11 February).

Côte d’Ivoire delivered a fairy tale ending to the 2023 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a come-from-behind 2-1 victory over Nigeria at home at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium in Abidjan on Sunday (11 February).

The hosts scored two second-half goals to overcome the Super Eagles and capture their third AFCON title, adding to the continental victories in 1992 and 2015.

Côte d’Ivoire tasted sweet revenge after their 1-0 defeat to the Nigerians in the group stages of the tournament.

The Ivorians navigated a treacherous path towards the final, including a change in head coach following their 4-0 defeat to Equatorial Guinea in their final group-stage match.

The Ivory Coast sacked head coach Jean-Louis Gasset and replaced him with former midfielder Emerse Fae before they advanced to the last 16.

Gasset shepherded the Elephants into the final following a 1-0 victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the semi-final.

Nigeria came into the contest as the favourites despite Côte d’Ivoire enjoying the home-ground advantage.

The hosts called the shots in the opening 15 minutes of the contest, where they made persistent assaults on the Nigerian goal.

But the Ivorians could not capitalise on all the possession they enjoyed in the first half of the match, with Nigeria getting the rub of the green late in the first stanza.

Nigerian captain William Troost-Ekong found the breakthrough against the flow of play in the 38^th minute. Troost-Ekong found some air in the box, outjumping the Ivorian defenders to head the ball into the back of the net from a corner.

The goal lulled the stadium into silence as the hosts went into the half-time break trailing the Nigerians 1-0.

Ivory Coast clawed their way back into the contest courtesy of a Franck Kessie header in the 62^nd minute to even the scores and reignite their hopes of a dream home victory.

The Elephants landed the knockout blow nine minutes from time courtesy of a Sebastien Haller goal. Haller hoofed a cross from Simon Adinga into the back of the net to bring the crowd to their feet.

Nigeria threatened to enforce the stalemate, but the Ivorian defence held firm to deny the Super Eagles a fourth AFCON crown. Instead, Ivory Coast completed a magnificent comeback to bow out as African champions for the third time.

AFCON

By Peter Ejiofor
London, Feb. 8, 2024: The Nigerian community in South Africa has commended the Super Eagles for qualifying for the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Nigeria defeated South Africa 4-2 on penalties after their thrilling game which left many on the edge of their seats ended 1-1 in extra time.

Mrs Doris Ikeri-Solarin, President of Nigerian Union, South Africa, said in a statement from Pretoria, South Africa on Thursday that Nigerians in that country were elated with the win.

She commended the Bafana Bafana of South Africa for their resilience and determination during the game, adding that the South Africans gave a good account of themselves.

“The Nigerian community in South Africa wish to congratulate the Super Eagles for qualifying for the final of AFCON 2023.

“The Super Eagles have shown character and consistency in the games leading to the final. We believe they have the potential to win the AFCON title,’’ she said.

Doris -Ikeri urged the team to remain focused and determined, assuring that Nigerians all over the world are solidly behind them.

“We are very optimistic that the Super Eagles will win the AFCON title. We join other Nigerians in praying for our national team to win the AFCON title,” she said.

Nigeria will meet hosts, Cote D’ Ivoire in the final of the competition on Sunday.

Photo by Icon Sport

Ademola Lookman’s first-half strike was enough for Nigeria to beat Angola to advance to the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2024).

The Atalanta winger applied a brutish finish to Moses Simon’s cross late in the first half as the Super Eagles ran out as winners.

Jose Peseiro made the bold decision to stick with the same line-up that started in the round of 16 victory against Cameroon last week.

Stanley Nwabali passed a late fitness test to start in between the sticks, while the back three was made up of William Troost-Ekong, Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey.

Ola Aina and Zaidu Sanusi also kept their places as wing-backs, and Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi occupied the middle of the park.

In attack, Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman and Moses Simon were tasked with unlocking the defense of the Angolans.

Ademola Lookman downs Angola

The Super Eagles made an impressive start to the game and were on the ascendency for much of the opening half hour.

Clear-cut chances were, however, far and far between both teams, although players from both sides were culpable for missing some of the half-chances that came their way.

Nigeria’s persistence finally paid off in the 41st minute with a great passage of play that saw Simon break away before the winger’s cutback located Lookman, who blasted the ball into the net.

The second half began in a similar fashion to the first, with Nigeria pouring more forward in search of a cushion second goal.

Super Eagles eliminate Angola

Iwobi went close to doubling their lead after being set up by Osimhen, but the Fulham midfielder’s effort deflected wide. Sanusi was next to go close but his shot was way off target.

Angola’s biggest chance of the second half came against the run of play when substitute Zini was put through on goal and despite beating Nwabali, his effort hit the post.

Osimhen, who was unfortunate to have his goal ruled out for a marginal offside, and Lookman both had decent chances late in the game but were let down by a combination of poor finishing and resolute defending by their opponents.

Nwabali had one last save to make to preserve the score as Nigeria held on to record a 1-0 victory against Angola, which send the Palancas Negras packing from the tournament.

What this result means for the Super Eagles

By beating Angola, Nigeria have now booked their place in the final of the AFCON, where they’ll face the winner of the other quarter-final game between Cape Verde and South Africa.

Meanwhile, the Palancas Negras’s journey in the tournament has come to an end despite their gallant efforts.   (AFRIK FOOT)

Bouake, Ivory Coast, Jan. 27, 2024 (Reuters) – Angola’s Gelson Dala scored twice as they reached the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals with a comprehensive 3-0 last-16 victory over neighbours Namibia, who were left to rue four mad first half minutes on Saturday.

Angola, who claimed their biggest ever Cup of Nations finals win, had an early setback when goalkeeper Neblu received a red card and they were under pressure from a Namibia side that looked the most likely to find the net.

But the game turned when Gelson opened the scoring after 38 minutes, Namibia defender Lubeni Haukongo received a red card shortly afterwards and the Angola forward completed his double from the resulting free-kick.

Angola added a third goal through Mabululu in the second period and now await a quarter-final tie against the winners of the last-16 clash between Nigeria and Cameroon that will be played later on Saturday.

Namibia made their debut in the Cup of Nations knockout rounds but could not profit from an early piece of good fortune.

Angola were reduced to 10 men after 17 minutes when Neblu handled the ball outside the box as he stopped Bethuel Muzeu’s chipped shot.

It was poor play all round by the team as defender Kialonda Gaspar was caught in possession by Muzeu, who had a clear run on goal and forced the error from the keeper.

Deon Hotto’s resulting free kick from the edge of the area was superbly saved by replacement keeper Antonio Dominique.

Despite their numerical disadvantage, Angola took the lead with a superbly constructed goal. Fredy was played into space on the right-hand side of the box and his low cross provided a tap-in for Gelson.

Two minutes later and it was 10 players each as Namibia defender Haukongo received a needless second yellow card and was sent off.

From the resulting free kick, the same two players combined for Angola’s second goal. Fredy delivered the set-piece and Gelson headed home for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Peter Shalulile fired over early in the second half as Namibia tried to reduce the deficit but it was Angola who scored the next goal.

Mabululu burst into the box after a quick counter-attack and curled a fine finish in at the far post to kill the contest.

Yamoussoukro, Jan 19 (Reuters) – Ismaila Sarr scored one goal and laid on another as defending champions Senegal beat Cameroon 3-1 on Friday and booked their place in the round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations, leaving their opponents in some peril.

Sarr opened the scoring in the first half of the Group C clash in Yamoussoukro after a mistake by Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana, who was playing his first game of the tournament after a late arrival in the Ivory Coast.

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Habib Diallo added the second goal from Sarr’s cross before Jean-Charles Castelletto scored a late consolation for Cameroon. Sadio Mane completed the scoring for Senegal in injury time.

The Lions of Teranga advance to the knockout rounds with a final group game against Guinea to spare. Cameroon must play Gambia in their last match. Both of those are on Tuesday.

Senegal head the pool with six points from their two games, while Cameroon and Guinea have a point each and Gambia are yet to break their duck. The latter two sides meet at the same venue later on Friday.

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Cameroon barely tested Senegal keeper Edouard Mendy until the final 10 minutes when they could have earned a point after a limp performance that followed a 1-1 draw with Guinea in their opener — alarming form for coach Rigobert Song.

He selected Onana after the keeper missed the Guinea game in order to play for Manchester United against Tottenham Hotspur in the Premier League, and will be frustrated by the manner of the first goal conceded.

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Sarr netted on 16 minutes after Onana attempted to punch clear a cross but did not get the height or distance he needed and the ball fell to the winger, whose deflected shot went into the bottom corner.

Sarr then turned provider when he was left in acres of space on the right-hand side of the box and his low cross was turned home from four yards by Diallo.

That goal seemed to spark Cameroon into life and they found a way back into the contest with a goal from a corner as Castelletto headed in Olivier Ntcham’s cross.

It should have been 2-2 following a horrific miss at the back post from Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, who headed wide with the goalmouth gaping.

Senegal went up the other end and sealed the three points when Mane netted their third goal.

ABIDJAN, Jan 18 (Reuters) – Mohammed Kudus scored a brace of goals but Ghana twice let a lead slip to draw 2-2 with Egypt in their Africa Cup of Nations Group B clash in Abidjan on Thursday, with the latter facing an anxious wait over an injury concern for Mohamed Salah.

Salah limped out of the game just before halftime with what appeared a muscle injury as he grabbed the back of his leg following a bursting run. It will have set off alarm bells at Liverpool, too.

Both teams still have work to do to qualify for the knockout rounds. Record seven-time winners Egypt, who had Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed on the scoresheet, have two points from two games and face pool leaders Cape Verde next on Monday.

Ghana have gone a team record six games without a win at the Cup of Nations and have a single point from their two matches. They will likely have to beat Mozambique in their final pool fixture to book a knockout place.

Salah’s fitness for the remainder of the tournament could be the difference between success and failure for an Egypt side that have looked a little out of sorts having arrived in the Ivory Coast in excellent form.

Ghana were shocked by Cape Verde in their pool opener and while this was a better display, coach Chris Hughton will be desperately disappointed they gave away a lead twice in five minutes.

There was plenty of hustle and bustle in the first half, but not much in the way of goalmouth action until deep into stoppage time.

Kudus picked up the ball 30-yards from goal and worked space for a shot, rifling his effort into the back of the net from the edge of the box.

The north African side turned up the pressure after the break and camped in the Ghana half, but were wayward with their finishing until they were handed a gift.

Inaki Williams’ poor back pass was straight into the path of Omar Marmoush and the forward rounded Richard Ofori in the Ghana goal to score.

Two minutes later the west Africans were back in front as an unsighted Egypt goalkeeper Mohamed El Shenawy could not keep out Kudus’ curling shot from 15 yards.

Egypt had conceded two goals in a game once in their previous 28 matches at the Cup of Nations before these finals but have now done it twice in as many matches.

The Pharaohs made it three goals in five minutes though as Mostafa turned in Trezeguet’s cut-back from the byline to equalise for the second time and share the spoils.

ABIDJAN, Jan 18 (Reuters) – Nigeria handed Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast a 1-0 defeat in their Group A clash at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Thursday with a second-half penalty settling the encounter.

Captain William Troost-Ekong struck home the 55th-minute spot kick after a VAR review showed that young Ivorian defender Ousmane Diomande had impeded Victor Osimhen.

The result means Nigeria move above the Ivorians in the standings on four points along with Equatorial Guinea, who beat Guinea Bissau 4-2 earlier. The hosts have three.

The clash of the West African heavyweights was a largely languid affair, dominated by physical battles and with few clear-cut chances created.

But Diomande, 20, was found to have caught Osimhen on the knee as the two tussled for the ball in the penalty area and Troost-Ekong blasted the ball straight down the middle to settle the clash.

Nigeria offered their hosts few chances in a strong defensive performance, playing five across the back and keeping the tricky home attack at bay. They also looked more dangerous up front with Osimhen squandering a good opportunity for an early lead.

“We put together a good strategy and my team did it well. I think we deserved the win,” Nigeria coach Jose Peseiro said.

Christian Kouame came closest for the hosts in the first half but had his effort blocked by Nigeria goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.

The Ivorians ran out of energy early and despite nine minutes of stoppage time, never looked likely to break down the Super Eagles, who won in the Ivory Coast for the first time in 10 attempts.

“We could not impose ourselves physically but it was the small details that favoured Nigeria,” said Ivorian coach Jean Louis Gasset.

Ivory Coast are still well placed to advance as they already have three points from a 2-0 win in their opener last Saturday against Guinea Bissau.

They meet Equatorial Guinea in their final group game on Monday while Nigeria will play Guinea Bissau at the same time.

Both matches are in Abidjan although at stadiums at the opposite ends of the city.

Later on Thursday, Egypt and Ghana were playing the last of three matches in one day at the tournament in a Group B clash.

Multichoice, owners of Digital Satellite Television( DStv), have announced that its sporting channel, SuperSports will broadcast all 52 matches at the 2023 African Cup of Nations holding in Cote d’Ivoire. 

The announcement is coming after the company had last week stated that it will not transmit the tournament “because the channel has not secured the rights to broadcast the tournament.”

“However, AFCON 2023 games will be available through our partner broadcast stations on Free to Air (FTA) channels.”

“Multichoice Africa remains committed to ensuring football fans across Africa continue to enjoy unrivalled access to entertainment and football games available on DStv and GOtv platforms including, the Premier League, LaLiga, Serie A, Zambian Super League and many more of football’s most prestigious competitions,” MultiChoice had said in a statement.

But in a post it captioned “No gree for anybody” on X on Wednesday, the company confirmed that SuperSports will show all 52 AFCON 2023 matches to its customers.

🇳🇬No gree for anybody!

Watch all 52 matches of the #afcon2023 on @supersports #Afcon #DStvnigeria #supereagles pic.twitter.com/j7PyQEVJOF

— DStv Nigeria (@DStvNg) January 10, 2024

The 34th edition of the biennial tournament which is being hosted in Cote d’Ivoire will start on 13 January and end 11 February, 2024.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria are in Group A and will face host country Cote d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea and Guinea Bissau.

CAIRO, Jan 11 (Reuters) – Egypt hope a new attacking approach will bear fruit as they launch a fresh bid to win a record-extending eighth Africa Cup of Nations title in the Ivory Coast, putting behind them the disappointment of two recent near misses.

They kick off their campaign against Mozambique in Abidjan on Sunday, having had to settle for silver medals in 2017 and 2021, with a shock round of 16 loss to South Africa on home soil in 2019.

Both recent final appearances were achieved via stout defensive displays as Argentine coach Hector Cuper and Portuguese boss Carlos Queiroz made this the foundation of their game-plan.

However, Egypt will largely count on flair this time around with current coach Rui Vitoria drastically altering tactics after taking over in 2022.

The former Benfica tactician inherited a side reeling from poor displays, including a stunning 2-0 loss to Ethiopia in a Cup of Nations qualifier and a 4-1 thrashing at the hands of South Korea in a friendly.

He set about improving Egypt’s efficiency in the final third, striking a better balance between attack and defence that had been the hallmark of a hat-trick of AFCON triumphs between 2006 and 2010.

Egypt have won 12 times in 14 games under Vitoria, their only loss against Tunisia in a friendly in September. They have scored 33 goals and conceded six.

“My vision for the game is attacking, yes, but it remains balanced,” the 53-year-old told beIN Sports.

“The idea in our minds is that we try to play good football without ignoring the fact that we must defend at times. Players now know that we must maintain a balance, even when attacking.”

GOALS THREAT

Vitoria’s bold approach is bolstered by the attacking riches at his disposal.

Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah is joint top scorer in the Premier League this season with 14 goals, while Eintracht Frankfurt winger Omar Marmoush has seven in 15 Bundesliga games.

Nantes striker Mostafa Mohamed has six goals in Ligue 1 and Trabzonspor’s Mahmoud Trezeguet has netted four times in 13 Turkish league matches.

“I was happy with our displays in the previous (Cup of Nations) but we were unlucky. We will do our best to do even better this time around,” Salah told Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi last week.

Egypt also face Ghana and Cape Verde in Group B in the Ivory Coast.