Move over, human pundits. A new, four-legged oracle has emerged at the Africa Cup of Nations, and its latest forecast has sent Nigerian football fans into a frenzy. Nimbus Pronos, a cat that has astonishingly predicted every Round of 16 match at AFCON 2025 correctly, has now forecast the winner of the highly anticipated quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria.
The Feline Oracle Makes Its Pick
The prediction was made in a now-viral video on Instagram. Nimbus was presented with two bowls of food, one labelled 'Nigeria' and the other 'Algeria'. With the match being a knockout fixture where draws are not possible, the cat's choice would signal the predicted winner. After a brief inspection and a notable side-eye glance at Algeria's bowl, Nimbus decisively walked to and ate from the plate representing the Super Eagles.
This simple act has been interpreted as a clear prediction: Nigeria will triumph over Algeria. The video has ignited social media, with fans eagerly debating whether the cat's mystical foresight will continue.
Contrasting Styles Set for Marrakech Showdown
The quarterfinal, set for Saturday, January 10, in Marrakech, pits two unbeaten teams with diametrically opposed philosophies. Nigeria, under coach Eric Chelle, has been an attacking juggernaut, scoring 12 goals in four matches, including a 4-0 demolition of Mozambique. The fearsome strike partnership of Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman has terrorised defences throughout the tournament.
Algeria, in contrast, has built its success on a rock-solid defence. The Desert Foxes, captained by Riyad Mahrez, have conceded just one goal in four games. Their resilience was epitomised in a gruelling Round of 16 victory over DR Congo, secured by Adil Boulbina's 119th-minute winner, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane providing a reliable last line of defence.
Historically, Algeria holds the edge, having won three of the last five encounters between the two nations over the past decade, compared to Nigeria's sole victory. However, current form and the 'Nimbus factor' are giving Nigerian supporters renewed hope.
Nimbus: From Pet to Prediction Phenomenon
Nimbus Pronos is no ordinary cat. It has rapidly become a minor football legend during this AFCON. Beyond its flawless Round of 16 record, the feline previously correctly forecast the outcomes of two of Nigeria's group stage matches. Its prediction for Nigeria's 4-0 win over Mozambique was also spot-on.
If Nimbus maintains its perfect streak, the Super Eagles will advance to face either Morocco or Cameroon in the semi-finals. Nigeria is chasing its first AFCON title since 2013 and a fourth overall, while Algeria aims for a third continental crown.
With the team reportedly focused and united despite minor camp gossip, and a psychic cat in their corner, Nigerian fans are daring to believe that this could be their year. All eyes will be on Marrakech to see if the beautiful game's newest and furriest expert has called it right once again.
