![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/NS-Quote-Email-Soccernet-43-750x422.jpg\")
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Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Copyright: Imago<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Super Eagles<\/a> midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru has paid tribute to Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez following Nigeria\u2019s 2\u20130 victory over Algeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations<\/a>, Soccernet.ng reports. <\/strong><\/p>\n This follows suggestions that the tournament could be the end of the former Leicester City star’s international career.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, at 34, the Al Hilal winger bids farewell to the 2025 AFCON tournament following a defeat to Eric Chelle’s men.<\/p>\n Mahrez, who captained Algeria into the quarter-final clash against Nigeria, hinted strongly at retirement during his pre-match press conference, stressing the emotional weight of every major tournament at this stage of his career.<\/p>\n \u201cEvery big tournament is a huge motivation for players,\u201d Mahrez told reporters, including Soccernet.ng. That \u201cnext game\u201d<\/em> ultimately ended in disappointment for the Fennec Foxes, as Nigeria produced a composed and mature display to secure their place in the semi-finals, pushing Algeria\u2014and possibly Mahrez\u2014closer to the end of an era.<\/p>\n Speaking after the match, Dele-Bashiru was asked what message he had for Mahrez amid growing speculation that the Algerian star may be bowing out of international football.<\/p>\n The Nigerian midfielder did not hesitate in his response.<\/p>\n \u201cMahrez is a legend. I\u2019m a Man City fan, so he\u2019s a massive legend for Manchester City \u2014 so respect, respect.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Mahrez enjoyed one of the most decorated club careers by an African footballer, starring for Manchester City during a historic spell that included multiple Premier League titles, before later continuing his career abroad.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/imago1071004515-scaled.jpg\")
Soccer What Riyad Mahrez said earlier<\/h2>\n
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\n\u201cI want to do well. I think it will be my last Africa Cup of Nations. I don\u2019t want to look too far ahead. Right now, I just want to focus on the next game and give everything, because it is very important for our country, our supporters and our families.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2026\/01\/imago1055389281-scaled.jpg\")
Soccer Dele-Bashiru shows respect to ex-Man City star<\/h2>\n
![\"Soccer](\"https:\/\/soccernet.ng\/app\/uploads\/2025\/06\/GQRYX7tXkAE3Dsz.jpeg\")
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Watch Dele-Bashiru’s comment on the ex-Man City star here:<\/h3>\n
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