Former Nigerian international Mutiu Adepoju has advised the Super Eagles to stick to the same winning approach that powered them past Mozambique as they prepare for a tough quarter-final clash against Algeria at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Nigeriasoccernet.com can report.
The three-time African champions booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 4–0 victory in the Round of 16, while Algeria needed extra time to edge past DR Congo.
Speaking with Footy Africa, the 1994 AFCON winner described Nigeria’s dominant display against Mozambique as a statement performance and praised the team’s steady improvement since the start of the tournament. Adepoju noted that the Super Eagles have grown in confidence, cohesion, and attacking sharpness with each game, qualities he believes will be crucial against a strong Algerian side.
“Yeah, it was a very good win, and I would rather say it was a statement win. They really played very well and got the goals, which is what has been expected throughout this tournament,” Adepoju said. He highlighted the Eagles’ control of the game, fluid attacking play, and clinical finishing as clear signs of a team peaking at the right time.
The former midfielder, fondly known as the “Headmaster,” stressed that consistency will be key as the tournament enters its decisive phase. “We have been improving game by game, and I just hope that the improvement will continue in the quarter-finals. It was tremendous, the play was good, and it was total dominance from the Super Eagles over the Mozambicans. It was a very good win,” he added.
However, Adepoju was quick to warn that Algeria will pose a much sterner challenge. The Desert Foxes are known for their physical strength, tactical discipline, and ability to grind out results, as shown by their hard-fought victory over DR Congo. According to Adepoju, Nigeria must approach the match with focus, discipline, and belief.
“Hopefully, we will be able to replicate the same performance against Algeria, who will be another difficult side,” he concluded.
Nigeria and Algeria will clash on Saturday for a place in the semi-finals, with the Super Eagles aiming to sustain their momentum and edge closer to a potential fourth AFCON title.