Algeria’s Firm Win Sets Up Fiery Nigeria Showdown
7 January 2026
Algeria's Cohesion
Bosnian coach Vladimir Petkovic praised Algeria's collective display after their 1-0 knockout win over the DR Congo on Tuesday, in AFCON 2025 in Morocco, expressing satisfaction with the players and excitement about a tough date with Nigeria next.
In remarks to reporters, he said the match was physically demanding, noting that the team faced some problems at times but remained organized and controlled the rhythm of the game.
He added that his side controlled about two-thirds of the play and delivered good football.
Amoura Up Front
Petkovic also discussed deploying Amoura as the center forward, stressing that the player is accustomed to this role with Wolfsburg in the German league and can trouble defenders with his pace and movements inside the box, a key part of the plan to exploit space and boost attacking effectiveness.
Algeria's cohesion and the depth of options were highlighted, with substitutes playing an important role.
Regarding player fitness, the coach said the match was tiring and he awaited medical reports to assess Ismael Bennacer and several others.
Looking ahead to the Nigeria clash on Saturday, Petkovic said preparations would begin immediately and he is excited by big matches that demand hard work, aggression and high concentration against a title-contending opponent, while insisting the Greens will try to impose their style on Nigeria.
Punchline 1: If defense is a work of art, Algeria just painted the box purple and called it a masterpiece.
Punchline 2: Nigeria, bring your best plan—this game is ninety minutes, not a coffee break.
