Posted 15:00 CET, 30 January 2025. Kickoff 18:00.
Nigeria 2, Algeria 1.
This is the match Algeria did not want. Nigeria has been the most coherent African team in the tournament so far. Osimhen is in form. The midfield is balanced. The full-backs are providing width. The team is functioning.
Algeria has not been functioning. The group stage was uneven. Belmadi was rumoured to be one bad result from being asked to leave. Mahrez has not started a match in his usual role. The squad seems unsure whether it is trying to manage the tournament cautiously or attack it openly.
The match should favour Nigeria, and probably will. Nigeria's strengths are the strengths Algeria struggles against. Quick transitions, direct play, a focal point centre-forward who can finish under pressure.
If Algeria gets the first goal, the dynamics shift. Nigeria can be drawn out, and Algeria's wide players can use the space. If Nigeria gets the first goal, Algeria has nothing structurally to fall back on.
I think Nigeria gets the first goal.
Final prediction: 2-1 Nigeria, Algeria out, the post-tournament inquest already being written before the final whistle.