Nigeria, Jan. 9 -- The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations has reached its sharpest edge. At this stage, there are no margins for error, no second legs, no room for redemption. One bad night, one lapse in concentration, and four weeks of hard work evaporate into a long journey home.

After dismantling Mozambique 4-0 at the Complexe de Fes, the Super Eagles of Nigeria now face a far sterner examination. Standing in their way are the Fennec Foxes of Algeria in a blockbuster quarter-final at the Stade de Marrakech.

It is a clash steeped in history, quality, and unfinished business.

Nigeria and Algeria are two of Africa's most decorated footballing nations, and their meeting at this business end of AFCON 2025 feels fitting. Elsewhere in the quarter-...