Algeria's captain and star winger, Riyad Mahrez, has set the tone for a highly anticipated Africa Cup of Nations encounter with a mix of humour and serious respect for the Nigerian national team. Speaking ahead of the crucial match, the former Manchester City player light-heartedly expressed fear while issuing a stern warning to his teammates about the threat posed by the Super Eagles.
Respect and a Touch of Fear for Super Eagles' Firepower
During his pre-match press conference, Riyad Mahrez did not hide his admiration for the current Nigerian squad. He stressed that the Super Eagles of 2025 are a more dangerous attacking force than the team Algeria defeated in the semi-finals of the 2019 edition in Egypt. Mahrez pointed directly to Nigeria's goal-scoring record in the ongoing tournament as the source of his playful anxiety.
"I'm afraid (laughs). They have scored a lot of goals in this competition," Mahrez stated, highlighting the primary concern for the Desert Foxes' defence. He emphasized that for Algeria to advance, they must deliver a performance at their absolute peak to counter Nigeria's offensive strength.
A Different Game From 2019 and a Final AFCON Mission
The Algerian skipper was quick to dismiss any direct comparisons with their famous 1-0 victory over Nigeria in the 2019 semi-final. He insisted that the upcoming match would be a completely different challenge.
"This match against Nigeria will be very different from the one in 2019," Mahrez explained. "That was in Egypt, with different players, a different style of play, and a different journey." He predicted a more open contest than Algeria's previous game against DR Congo, believing the expansive style could benefit both teams' attacking talents.
"We expect the next match to be more open, which will give us more space to showcase our abilities, and we must be fully prepared," he added.
In a significant personal revelation, the 34-year-old confirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be his last. This admission adds a layer of personal ambition to the high-stakes fixture. Mahrez openly declared his desire to conclude his AFCON career by lifting the trophy once more with this generation of Algerian players.
"This will be my last AFCON. I want to win the Africa Cup of Nations again with this generation. I really want it," Mahrez stated, underlining the personal and national significance of the tournament for him.
A High-Stakes Showdown Awaits
The stage is now set for a monumental clash between two African football giants. While Mahrez's initial comment was delivered with laughter, the underlying message was one of utmost seriousness and preparation. His words frame the match as a battle between Algeria's tactical discipline and Nigeria's formidable attacking prowess, with a place in the next round and a legend's final dream on the line. All eyes will be on how both teams respond to the pressure when they meet on the pitch.
