Algeria edged past the Democratic Republic of Congo 1-0 in extra time during their Africa Cup of Nations last-16 clash, setting up a mouthwatering quarter-final against Nigeria as the Desert Warriors chase a third continental crown in the 2025 edition hosted by Morocco.
Adil Boulbina’s stunning strike from the edge of the box into the top corner just before the final whistle sealed the victory in Rabat on Monday, after a goalless 90 minutes marked by heroic saves from DRC goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and Algeria’s Luca Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane.
The result propels Algeria into a January 10 showdown with the Super Eagles in Marrakech, a rematch freighted with history after the North Africans ousted Nigeria in the 2019 semi-finals via a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick.
Nigeria, who thrashed Mozambique 4-0 in their knockout opener, saw tensions flare between forwards Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the game, but team officials confirmed the matter had been resolved behind closed doors.
“The primary reasons and aftermath of the on-the-field remonstration between two of our players during the game against Mozambique have been nipped internally,” media officer Promise Efoghe said in a statement.
The Super Eagles, unbeaten so far, aim for a fourth AFCON title, while Algeria seeks to build on their 1990 and 2019 triumphs in a tournament shadowed by off-pitch drama.
