By Victor Enyinnaya (Editor in Chief) on January 11, 2026

The much anticipated grudge AFCON quarter - final game between Nigeria and perennial football for, Algeria is now history.

In short, it has been won and lost in the city of Marakash, Morocco with both round leather game super Powers in Africa exhibiting the kind of stuff they are made up of gamely.

Nigeria's Super Eagles kick - off and within minutes of the game both sides showed their readiness to grab the ticket for the semi- finals of the premium and premier Continental football summit.

It was one AFCON football game the Nigerians deserved to win because the squad put every feet right from referee's blast the whistle till when the curtain was drawn.

The first stanza was the typical resemblance of a grudge football in all ramifications as both sides brought out every trick in their arsenal and tried each other for size.

However, it didn't bear fruit as Nigeria despite her dominance did just two direct shots at goal, i.e no goal was scored.

However, it is instructive to note that the Nigerians merited victory the that came at last.

Eric Chelle, the Super Eagles technical hand was at his technical and tactical approach best in yesterday's quarter - final encounter that was obviously tension soaked all through.

 In that high profile game, psychologically had it toll on the players of Fennec Foxes as they exhibited uncalled for aggression often on their day's opponents during the proceedings.

That option affected their mood, play and game against a fit fighting Super Eagles players that out foxed them in all departments of the first rate game.

The match was under control thanks to the experience , composure, strategic stance of Senegalese referee who took charge of the Season from start to finish despite signs of intimidation, aggressive displays by the Fennec Foxes players and tricks.

One will also point out that yesterday's first quarter - final match lived up to it's billing as game between the two teams can go either way.

For instance, it was at expense of the then Desert Warriors of Algeria now Fennec Foxes that our equally then Green Eagles defeated 3 - 0 in final to win our first ever Nations Cup as host in Lagos in1980.

On the other hand, the Fennec Foxes turned Nigeria back during 2019 summit at the semi - final.

Truth is that the Algerians saw what was beyond them in their match against the Super Eagles yesterday.

The allegation by Fennec Foxes head coach that his team boys played against the referee would forever remain frivolous finger pointing to verge or vacuum that never happened or existed because if not for the caliber of the Senegalese referee CAF assigned the vital match, the rudely conduct by the Fennec Foxes players would have ruined the game.

The pivotal role the referee put up set the tone for a conclusive first quarter final game.

His Steadfastness and decisions was in total tandem with the rules of the game.

What can hold water from the Algerian coach would be the role according to him,fatigue may have played on his boys because of how DR. Congo over strenched their round of 16 duel.

Any other being flown is a cat from a defeated man/team saying exactly what his employer wants to hear.

Now for the Super Eagles, the spirit with which yesterday's football match business was taken and finished clinically should not be lost in their memories that the upcoming semi -final yesterday's comprehensive hands down defeat of Algeria threw up and paired them with the host country, Morocco.

Needless to recall that it would be the toughest match ever in the ongoing tournament.

And so both Eric Chelle and his boys are aware of the more uphill and difficult task ahead.

As potential kingpin of this edition of the highest African football summit, therefore Eagleshave what it takes to conflict decisively any opponent whatsoever and so, the Atlas Lions of Morocco game is no exception.

The match plan Eric Chelle would involve should not only be compact and precise but also the one that would consume the host country, Morocco.

Every instrument of play would be at odds against the Super Eagles during the anticipated epic semi - final game.

Therefore, strategic planning and positioning foremost through team play must be deployed as the boys have show enough depth since the beginning of the tournament.

The result oriented formula that has produced these sterling showpiece should not be jettisoned in this critical and crucial stage of the AFCON championship.

This analyst knew it would be reinforced and unleashed triple against Morocco right in front of their highly partisan home fans.

With the same one spirit the team has employed to entertain and spice up the game against her opponents this far which gladdens the hearts of the teeming fans of giant West African country can only be the only tonic to rekindle with greater flaming and heat against the Moroccans.

As restated in previous write ups since the football summit kicked - off, this performance is what Nigerians back home rely heavily on for sustainable energy because all hopes have failed as the current government has used hunger, high cost of living, insecurity and sundry to revage the citizens.

Life for down trodden Nigerians are this five star AFCON championship performance the ongoing Moroccan spectacular high performance from the Super Eagles thus far.

Sound match plan, focus, determination, calmness, team play and pray god of football to be Nigeria that day.

The magic that has seen the Nigerian team and bench in the squad to cohesively kind of football would be with Nigeria.

Adhered strictly to the tenets of the coach's match strategy and formation.

Teamwork was personified in yesterday's quarter - final stage match.

No selfish play observed at all.

As there were no shot at goal by the Fennec Foxes of Algeria throughout the duration of the Season shall it with their fellow Northern neighbours.

Morocco - Nigeria game next stop.

Super Eagles, let the game start !

Source DailySports Nigeria

Posted January 11, 2026

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