Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has jokingly said he is “afraid” ahead of his team’s clash with Nigeria, while emphasising that the Desert Foxes must be fully prepared for a difficult test at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, Mahrez praised the quality of the Super Eagles, describing the current Nigeria squad as more dangerous in attack than the side Algeria faced at AFCON 2019. The winger warned that Nigeria’s attacking strength means Algeria will need to be at their best to progress.
“I’m afraid (laughs). They have scored a lot of goals in this competition,” Mahrez said. He added that the game is likely to be more open than Algeria’s previous match against DR Congo, a situation he believes could suit both teams’ attacking styles.
“We expect the next match to be more open, which will give us more space to show our abilities, and we must be fully prepared,” he said.
Reflecting on previous meetings between the two sides, the former Manchester City star insisted that comparisons with Algeria’s 2019 semi-final win over Nigeria 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 explained.
Mahrez also revealed the personal significance of the tournament, confirming it will be his final Africa Cup of Nations. The 34-year-old said he is determined to end his AFCON career on a high by lifting the trophy once more.
“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.
