Injury Forces Bennacer Out as Algeria Face Nigeria in AFCON Quarterfinal
9 January 2026
Injury sidesteps Bennacer as Algeria face Nigeria showdown
Ismael Bennacer, star of the Algerian national team, is out of coach Vladimir Petkovic's plans for the upcoming Nigeria clash, due to injury.
Algeria take on Nigeria on Saturday in the Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinals, currently held in Morocco.
According to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Bennacer has not recovered from the muscular problem suffered against the Democratic Republic of Congo and will miss the Nigeria tie.
Bennacer could not finish the Congo game in the round of 16 of AFCON and left the field in the 49th minute for teammate Hamad Abdelali.
Exclusive sources to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed say medical tests confirmed a muscle strain that will keep him out of the Nigeria match. Officials stressed the decision was made because the game is physical and demanding.
Punchline 1: If Bennacer needs rest, the midfield will be so light the ball files a complaint to the air traffic control. Just kidding—get well soon, maestro!
Punchline 2: Algeria’s plan now: defend like a brick wall and hope the Nigerians misplace their GPS in the Moroccan sun.
