by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
Saturday’s third quarter-final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco promises fireworks as Nigeria’s Super Eagles lock horns with Algeria’s Fennecs in one of African football’s most enduring and intense rivalries.
According to a Sportsblog247.com report dated January 9, 2026, the clash in Marrakech will mark the 23rd senior-level meeting between the two continental heavyweights, whose competitive history stretches back 55 years to their first encounter at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos.
Over the decades, Nigeria versus Algeria has become synonymous with drama, controversy and unforgettable moments, cementing its status as a fixture that consistently captures the imagination of football fans across Africa.
The upcoming duel will be their 10th meeting at the Africa Cup of Nations. From the previous nine AFCON encounters, Nigeria have recorded three victories, Algeria four, while two matches ended in draws.
One of those stalemates remains among the most debated moments in AFCON history. At the 1984 tournament in Bouaké, both sides were accused of deliberately playing out a goalless draw to secure semi-final qualification, a result that eliminated defending champions Ghana and sparked widespread outrage.
The rivalry is also defined by iconic finals and shifting fortunes. Nigeria lifted their first AFCON title in 1980 on home soil after defeating Algeria, a landmark triumph in Super Eagles history. A decade later, Algeria exacted revenge by beating Nigeria in the final to claim their maiden continental crown in front of their home supporters.
As Morocco plays host to Africa’s elite at the 2025 AFCON, anticipation is high that the quarter-final in Marrakech will add another memorable chapter to this storied rivalry. With pride, history and a place in the semifinals at stake, Nigeria and Algeria are set to deliver a contest worthy of their legendary past.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Nigeria, Soccer
For the first time in Africa Cup of Nations history, all eight quarterfinalists rank among Africa’s top 10 teams in the FIFA World Rankings—a clear reflection of a tournament that has so far followed the script, with few surprises and heavyweight nations asserting their authority.
As the competition reaches the last-eight stage, fans can expect tense, high-quality encounters packed with drama, fine margins and emotional endings. After correctly predicting every Round of 16 outcome, analyst Ed Dove believes the quarterfinals will be far tougher to call, with cagey contests and fallen giants almost inevitable.
Mali vs Senegal
Date: January 9
Time: 3:00pm UK | 5:00pm CAT
Venue: Grande Stade de Tanger, Tangier
On paper, this appears the most straightforward of the quarterfinal ties, with Senegal entering as favourites against Mali. Yet the Eagles have quietly built momentum, reaching the quarterfinals for a second straight AFCON without winning a match in regulation time.
Mali drew all three group games before edging Tunisia in a dramatic Round of 16 clash, playing over 100 minutes with 10 men. Lassine Sinayoko led the line admirably, while Mali’s physicality and defensive aggression—no team has recorded more tackles or interceptions—could unsettle Senegal.
The Teranga Lions, despite their firepower, have not been flawless. Slow starts and midfield imbalance remain concerns, but with attacking stars such as Sadio Mané, Nicolas Jackson, Ismaïla Sarr and emerging talent Ibrahim Mbaye, Senegal are still expected to have enough quality to progress.
Prediction: Senegal to advance
Cameroon vs Morocco
Date: January 9
Time: 6:00pm UK | 8:00pm CAT
Venue: Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, Rabat
This heavyweight showdown has evolved into one of the most intriguing ties of the round. Hosts Morocco arrived as clear favourites, but injuries to key players including Azzedine Ounahi, concerns over Sofyan Amrabat, and fitness questions surrounding Achraf Hakimi have complicated their campaign.
While Morocco have been solid rather than spectacular, Cameroon have defied pre-tournament chaos to emerge as one of the competition’s surprise packages. Under new coach David Pagou, the Indomitable Lions have rediscovered unity, belief and resilience—qualities that have defined their AFCON legacy.
An early Moroccan goal could settle nerves in Rabat, but if Cameroon withstand early pressure, this contest could become tense and unpredictable.
Prediction: Morocco to advance
Algeria vs Nigeria
Date: January 10
Time: 3:00pm UK | 5:00pm CAT
Venue: Marrakesh Stadium, Marrakesh
Nigeria have arguably been the standout team of the tournament, leading the charts in goals scored, shots taken and passes completed. Their midfield control, spearheaded by Alex Iwobi, and the lethal attacking trio of Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukwueze have set them apart.
Algeria impressed in the group stage but showed signs of fatigue in their extra-time Round of 16 win over DR Congo. Defensive vulnerabilities and the fading influence of Riyad Mahrez raise questions as they prepare to face Nigeria’s relentless attack.
Off-field tensions in the Nigerian camp add an element of uncertainty, but on form alone, the Super Eagles remain strong favourites.
Prediction: Nigeria to advance
Egypt vs Ivory Coast
Date: January 10
Time: 6:00pm UK | 8:00pm CAT
Venue: Stade Adrar, Agadir
Defending champions Ivory Coast enter this clash as favourites after a composed and confident tournament so far. Led by the in-form Amad Diallo and a dominant midfield featuring Franck Kessié and Ibrahim Sangaré, the Elephants have shown balance, power and attacking variety.
Egypt, meanwhile, have looked uninspired, with Mohamed Salah’s goals masking deeper structural issues. Aside from flashes from Omar Marmoush, the Pharaohs have struggled creatively.
Yet history warns against underestimating Egypt, serial AFCON survivors who have often advanced despite underwhelming performances. Still, Ivory Coast’s cohesion and momentum give them the edge.
Prediction: Ivory Coast to advance
With Africa’s elite clubs and players on display, the quarterfinals promise intensity, fine margins and unforgettable moments. The semifinals await the survivors—but for four giants, the journey will end here.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | AFCON, Africa, Ghana, Nigeria, Soccer
The Africa Cup of Nations reaches a blockbuster quarterfinal stage on Friday, once again underlining the long-standing dominance of North and West African football, with Cameroon standing as the lone representative from Central Africa.
Hosted in Morocco, this edition of AFCON has largely followed expectations and is shaping up to be one of the most star-studded tournaments in the competition’s history. Eight of the teams in the last eight feature in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) top ten rankings.
With the exception of Mali, a perennial contender, all remaining sides are former AFCON champions.
The quarterfinal action begins with eighth-ranked Mali locking horns with Senegal’s Teranga Lions, who are second in the CAF rankings, at the Grande Stade de Tanger.
Later on Friday, ten-time African heavyweights Cameroon, ranked tenth, face hosts Morocco—the continent’s top-ranked side—at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Although Morocco have lifted the AFCON trophy just once, 50 years ago in Ethiopia, they arrive with a golden generation that captured global attention by becoming the first African nation to reach the FIFA World Cup semifinals in 2022. Tournament top scorer Ibrahim Díaz, with four goals, headlines their attack, while Ayoub El Kaabi has thrilled fans with two stunning bicycle-kick finishes.
Cameroon, meanwhile, remain Africa’s most successful nation with five AFCON titles to their name.
Saturday’s fixtures promise equal excitement, as third-ranked Algeria take on fifth-ranked Nigeria. Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez and Nigeria stars Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen have all netted three goals so far in the tournament.
In Agadir, four-time champions Egypt, ranked fourth, will battle defending champions Ivory Coast, who sit seventh in the CAF rankings. Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Ivory Coast’s Amad Diallo share three goals each and have rediscovered their best form on the international stage.
With elite talent, historic rivalries and continental pride at stake, the quarterfinals are set to deliver high drama and top-quality African football. The semifinals will be played on Wednesday, with the final scheduled for Sunday.
As the tournament builds toward its climax, Morocco’s Atlas Lions will be dreaming of lifting their long-awaited second AFCON title on home soil.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Highly-rated teenage defender Graham Ankamafio has taken a major step forward in his development after being invited to join FC Copenhagen’s first team for their winter training camp in Spain.
The 18-year-old centre-back, a regular for Denmark’s youth national teams, is widely regarded as one of the brightest defensive prospects within FC Copenhagen’s academy. His inclusion in the senior squad’s training camp highlights the club’s belief in his ability and their commitment to promoting young talent.
Ankamafio’s rise has also drawn attention on the international stage. Despite representing Denmark at youth level, the defender has openly expressed his ambition to one day play for Ghana,
keeping his international future open and placing him on the radar of both nations.
The Spanish training camp presents a crucial opportunity for Ankamafio to train alongside experienced first-team players, adapt to the demands of senior football and potentially push for future involvement with the main squad.
For the young defender, the call-up represents another key milestone in a rapidly progressing career—one that could soon see him establish himself at the highest level while remaining a player of interest for Ghana’s Black Stars selectors.
by Emmanuel Atanga | Jan 9, 2026 | Africa, Europe, Ghana, International, Soccer
Belgian heavyweights Anderlecht are reportedly monitoring the progress of Beres Owusu, the 22-year-old centre-back currently starring for Austrian side Grazer AK.
The French-born defender, who is eligible to represent Ghana at international level, has impressed this season with his defensive intelligence, aerial dominance and composure in possession, emerging as one of Grazer AK’s most reliable performers.
Sources indicate that Anderlecht are not alone in their admiration, with Royal Antwerp and several other clubs from across Europe also tracking Owusu’s development, underlining the rising demand for the young defender.
Owusu has been a consistent presence in the Grazer AK backline, registering 16 appearances and scoring once this campaign. His ability to influence games at both ends of the pitch, coupled with his tactical awareness and maturity, has earned him praise from scouts and analysts alike.
With the winter transfer window fast approaching, Anderlecht and other interested suitors could act swiftly to secure Owusu as a long-term defensive option.
A potential move to Belgium or another top European league would mark a major step forward in Owusu’s career and could also place him firmly on the radar for future Ghana Black Stars selection.
