Omotayo Fashola
Algeria’s star forward and captain Riyad Mahrez has humorously confessed feeling a sense of nervousness as his team gears up to face Nigeria, stressing that the Desert Foxes must be in top form to secure victory in the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash.
During his pre-match briefing, Mahrez lauded the Super Eagles’ attacking firepower, noting that Nigeria’s current squad poses an even greater threat than the side Algeria overcame during the 2019 AFCON tournament.
The skillful winer alluded to Nigeria’s impressive goal-scoring record in the competition, insisting his team must elevate their performance to progress.
“I’ll admit, I’m a bit scared (laughs). They’ve been lethal in front of goal throughout this tournament,” Mahrez remarked.
He also hinted that the upcoming match may unfold differently from their tense battle against DR Congo, predicting a more attacking spectacle that could benefit both nations’ strengths.
“This game will likely be more open, giving us opportunities to express ourselves. We must seize every chance,” he added.
While reminiscing on previous encounters, the ex-Manchester City standout cautioned against drawing parallels to their 2019 semi-final triumph, emphasizing key differences in squad dynamics and tactical approaches.
“Facing Nigeria this time won’t resemble our 2019 meeting—different location, players, and strategies. It’s a brand-new challenge,” he explained.
In a heartfelt revelation, Mahrez confirmed that the tournament would mark the end of his AFCON journey, expressing a burning desire to bid farewell with another continental crown.
“This is my final AFCON campaign. Winning it again with this squad would be unforgettable. That’s my biggest motivation,” he declared.
