Soccer
Riyad Karim Mahrez celebrating the goal to 2-1 during the 2019 African Cup of Nations match between Algeria and Nigeria at the Cairo International Stadium in Cairo, Egypt. Copyright:ImagoxUlrikxPedersenx
Al Ahli and Algeria winger Riyad Mahrez is pumped ahead of his side’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
The ex-Manchester City star played 70 minutes at the Stade Prince Moulay El Hassan last night as Les Fennecs battled it out against DR Congo.
While DR Congo were largely defensive, dragging the game out to extra-time with hopes of getting a penalty shoot-out, 22-year-old Adil Boulbina took the fixture by the neck and scored a belter to win the game for Algeria in the 119th minute.
Adil Boulbina…
The hero of Algeria.
pic.twitter.com/g5vPfYbBUu— The International Break (@InternatBreak) January 6, 2026
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Boulbina’s strike set up a highly anticipated clash against the Super Eagles on Saturday. The fixture also serves as a repeat of the AFCON 2019 semi-final clash between the sides.
The game in Cairo ended bitterly for Nigeria, as Mahrez’s 95th-minute free-kick goal condemned Nigeria to a third-place fixture, which they won.
ENGRAVED IN AFRICAN FOOTBALL HISTORY!
Riyad Mahrez deservedly claimed 2019 Goal of the Year! #CAFAwards2022 | @Mahrez22 pic.twitter.com/PxeRFpgNga
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) July 8, 2022
The stage is now set for Eric Chelle’s men to avenge the 2019 loss, although Mahrez is well-prepared and is looking to score another late free-kick if the chance presents itself.
“I think that on the whole game [against DR Congo], if the scales were to tilt on one side, it was ours,” the former Leicester City attacker said in quotes revealed by Ebotola.
“We faced a good Congolese team, who played with cohesion and left little space, but we were solid.
“We haven’t conceded many opportunities, and we still know we have players who can make a difference.
“Nigeria? We know them well; the game will not be easy. A free kick at the last minute again? We will see, anything is possible,” Mahrez concluded.
All roads lead to the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday as the Super Eagles will lock horns with the Fennec Foxes in the quarter-final of the AFCON 2025 tournament. Kick-off is slated for 5:00 PM WAT.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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