The starting line-up of the Super Eagles of Nigeria remains unchanged for the quarter-final clash against Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Eric Chelle, team head coach, has named the same side that started the 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in the round of 16.
Ademola Lookman, the second-highest goalscorer and top assister in the tournament, will start in attack alongside frontmen Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams for a trio that has scored nine goals in the competition.
Osimhen retains his place in the team despite the controversy over his on-field outburst at a handful of his teammates in the previous game. The striker lost his head, demanded to be substituted and refused to huddle with his colleagues after the match.
Osimhen’s action stirred reactions from Nigeria, with many calling for his exclusion from the squad.
Captain Wilfred Nididi, and Frank Onyeka will provide cover for playmaker Alex Iwobi, with Calvin Bassey, one yellow card away from suspension, leading the four-man defence in a 4-3-3 formation.
Stanley Nwabali, who kept his first AFCON clean sheet against Mozambique, is in goal.
The match against Algeria comes just a few days after the Eagles staged another protest over unpaid allowances. The team threatened to boycott the journey to Marrakech for the quarter-final match if the payment was not cleared.
Both teams will face off by 5 pm Nigerian time at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, and the winners will face Morocco in the semi-final.
Super Eagles Starting XI: Stanley Nwabali, Bright Osayi-Samuel, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Bruno Onyeamaechi; Wilfred Ndidi (C), Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi; Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, Victor Osimhen.
