Nigeria’s Super Eagles have revealed their starting line-up for the highly anticipated AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against Algeria, with head coach Eric Chelle making several decisive calls ahead of the knockout encounter in Morocco.
Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen leads the attack as expected, supported by Fulham midfielder Alex Iwobi and Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, who all retain their places after Nigeria’s emphatic 4–0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16. Frank Onyeka also returns to the starting line-up, while Moses Simon and Raphael Onyedika begin the game on the bench.
The selection underlines Chelle’s preference for balance and physical intensity against an Algerian side widely regarded as one of the most disciplined teams at the tournament.
Nigeria arrive at the quarter-final with momentum, having recorded a perfect group-stage campaign against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda before dispatching Mozambique with ease in Fes. Algeria, known as the Fennec Foxes, sealed their place in the last eight with a dramatic extra-time win over DR Congo, courtesy of Adil Boulbina’s 119th-minute strike.
In goal, Stanley Nwabali keeps his place after recovering from the injury concerns that forced him to miss the Tunisia match earlier in the competition. The Chippa United goalkeeper returned against Mozambique, a game in which he famously described himself as being on “holiday” after Nigeria’s opponents failed to register a single shot on target. Against Algeria’s sharper attack, the 29-year-old is expected to be far busier.
The defensive pairing of Semi Ajayi and Calvin Bassey continues, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Zaidu Sanusi providing width from full-back. Chelle has once again trusted Wilfred Ndidi and Onyeka to shield the back four, while Iwobi operates as the creative link between midfield and attack. Lookman completes a midfield diamond designed to offer both energy and attacking thrust.
Up front, Osimhen partners Akor Adams, a combination that has grown in influence since Adams made his Super Eagles debut last October. The duo will be tasked with breaking down an Algerian defence that has conceded just once in the tournament, even as they have scored eight goals of their own.
The confirmed Super Eagles line-up reads:
Goalkeeper: Stanley Nwabali
Defenders: Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Zaidu Sanusi
Midfielders: Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi, Ademola Lookman
Forwards: Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams
With a semi-final place at stake, Chelle’s selections reflect a calculated approach rather than sentiment. Nigeria’s challenge now lies in matching Algeria’s organisation while maintaining the attacking efficiency that has defined their AFCON 2025 campaign so far.
