Memory Lane: Nigeria–Algeria’s most unforgettable AFCON encounters

Saturday’s quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria at the 35th 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations promises to be one of the most compelling fixtures of the tournament, as two of Africa’s traditional heavyweights lock horns once again.

The Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes will be meeting for the 23rd time at senior international level, a rivalry that dates back 55 years to their first encounter at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos.

Over more than five decades, matches between both nations have delivered unforgettable moments — dramatic twists, controversial endings, surprise results, heroic individual performances and intense battles that have helped shape African football history.

The Marrakech encounter will mark the 10th time Nigeria and Algeria have faced each other at the Africa Cup of Nations. Of the previous nine meetings, Nigeria have recorded three wins, Algeria four, while two ended in draws.

One of those draws remains one of AFCON’s most controversial games — the infamous Bouaké stalemate of 1984, when both teams were accused of settling for a goalless draw that ensured their qualification at the expense of defending champions Ghana.

Nigeria famously defeated Algeria to lift their first AFCON title on home soil in 1980. A decade later, the Desert Foxes returned the favour by beating Nigeria in the final to claim their maiden continental crown in front of their fans.

Now, Marrakech — Morocco’s fourth-largest city — is set to host another chapter in one of African football’s most storied rivalries.

Below is the summary of Nigeria–Algeria’s most unforgettable AFCON encounters.

1984 Nigeria Vs Algeria 

The referee gave both teams a yellow card after they made no real effort to score. Fans believed Nigeria and Algeria had agreed to play for a draw so they could both reach the semi-finals at the expense of defending champions Ghana.

The match ended 0–0. In the semi-finals, Nigeria beat Egypt on penalties, while Algeria lost to Cameroon, who later won the tournament.

Nigeria vs Algeria (23 March 1988):

Nigeria scored first after Sam Okwaraji’s shot was deflected into the net. Algeria later equalised. Nigeria played with ten men after Ademola Adeshina was sent off, but still won the match through a sudden-death penalty shootout.

Algeria vs Nigeria (2 March 1990):

Host nation Algeria recorded their biggest-ever win over Nigeria in the opening match of the Africa Cup of Nations. Rabah Madjer and his teammates scored several goals before Emma Okocha scored a late consolation goal for Nigeria.

Algeria vs Nigeria (16 March 1990):

Two weeks later, Algeria won their first AFCON title by beating Nigeria 1–0 in the final. Cherif Oudjani scored with a long-range shot that beat goalkeeper Alloy Agu.

Nigeria vs Algeria (21 January 2002):

Nigeria dominated the match and secured all three points at the Stade du 26 Mars in Bamako. Julius Aghahowa scored the only goal of the game.

Nigeria vs Algeria (30 January 2010):

Nigeria defeated Algeria 1–0 in the third-place match of the AFCON in Angola. Obinna Nsofor scored the winning goal after a fine assist from Nwankwo Kanu.

Algeria vs Nigeria (14 July 2019):

Riyad Mahrez starred as Algeria defeated Nigeria 2–1 in a dramatic AFCON semi-final at the Cairo International Stadium.