Nigeria, Jan. 7 -- As the Africa Cup of Nations narrows into its most unforgiving phase, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has made it clear: Nigeria are not a team to dodge, they are a challenge to embrace.

The Desert Foxes booked their place in the quarterfinals on Tuesday night after grinding out a tense 1-0 victory over DR Congo, a result that immediately set the stage for one of AFCON 2025's most anticipated clashes; Algeria vs Nigeria.

For a tournament already rich in subplots, this is one layered with history, pedigree, and unfinished business.

Nigeria arrive at the quarterfinals in full flight. The Super Eagles dismantled Mozambique 4-0 on Monday night, delivering their most dominant performance of the tournament and underli...