As Nigeria prepares to meet Algeria in the quarterfinals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, forward Moses Simon has emphasized that the match will be approached with focus and determination—without being fueled by revenge. The contest, set for this Saturday, carries extra intrigue due to the teams’ past high-stakes encounters, but Simon has made it clear that the Super Eagles are concentrating solely on their current objectives.
Speaking ahead of the matchup, Simon dismissed the idea that Nigeria is seeking payback for Algeria’s victory in the 2019 AFCON semifinal. In that game, Riyad Mahrez’s late free-kick secured a 2-1 win for Algeria, a moment that still resonates with many fans. However, Simon stressed that the players have moved on from that result.
“For us, it’s not about revenge,” Simon said. “What happened in 2019 is past. This is a new tournament, and our focus is to win and move forward.”
Nigeria has demonstrated solid form in the tournament so far, advancing from the group stage with a balanced approach and key contributions from both veterans and younger talents. Algeria, similarly, has shown consistency and depth, setting the stage for a tightly contested match between two of Africa’s top football nations.
The Super Eagles have been training in Abidjan in preparation for the highly anticipated clash. Head coach José Peseiro has been working to reinforce both the team’s tactical discipline and attacking efficiency. While the players are aware of Algeria’s strengths—including their swift counter-attacks and experienced midfield—the Nigerian side remains confident in its own capabilities.
“We respect Algeria, but our focus is on ourselves,” Simon added. “We want to win, not because of what happened before, but because we believe in our team and what we can achieve.”
The upcoming quarterfinal will test both sides’ composure and strategic execution. With a semifinal spot on the line, the match promises to be one of the most compelling fixtures of this stage of the tournament.
