Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez jokingly admitted that he’s “afraid” ahead of his team’s quarter-final clash with Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Behind the laughter, however, he made it clear that the Desert Foxes must be fully prepared for a tough challenge.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mahrez praised Nigeria’s Super Eagles, describing the squad as sharper and more dangerous going forward than the team Algeria faced in AFCON 2019.
“I’m afraid (laughs). They have scored a lot of goals in this competition,” he said.
He also hinted that the game could be more open than Algeria’s last encounter with DR Congo, a scenario that could showcase both teams’ attacking strengths.
“We expect the next match to be more open, which will give us more space to showcase our abilities, and we must be fully prepared,” Mahrez explained.
Looking back at Algeria’s 2019 semi-final victory over Nigeria, he warned that comparisons would be misleading.
“This match against Nigeria will be very different from the one in 2019. That was in Egypt, with different players, a different style of play, and a different journey,” he said.
On a personal note, Mahrez revealed the tournament’s significance, confirming it will be his final Africa Cup of Nations.
“This will be my last AFCON. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations again with this generation. I really want it,” he said.
