Nigeria stars at odds as Algeria clash looms

Salah’s Egypt take on champs Ivory Coast

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Nigeria's Victor Osimhen, right, celebrates with Ademola Lookman after scoring against Mozambique in the round of 16.

(AFP)

Led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria's form at the Africa Cup of Nations has offered cause for optimism ahead of today’s heavyweight quarterfinal against Algeria despite reports of unrest in the squad.

The Super Eagles arrived in Marrakesh for the last-eight tie as the top scorers at the tournament with 12 goals in their four games so far.

Wins against Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda in the group stage were followed by a 4-0 demolition of Mozambique in Fes in the last 16, the biggest victory for anyone in an Afcon knockout tie since 2010.

Osimhen and Lookman, winners of the African player of the year prize in 2023 and 2024 respectively, have played starring roles with three goals each as Nigeria target Cup of Nations success as a tonic for their World Cup woes.

“The team is improving every single game,” said Lookman, who has also set up four goals at the tournament, after the Mozambique victory.