Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has playfully admitted he feels some trepidation ahead of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Nigeria, though he emphasized his team’s confidence and quality.
Speaking at the pre-match press conference, Mahrez, 34, jokingly said, “I am afraid,” when asked about facing the Super Eagles’ attack. He quickly tempered the remark, adding:
“Of course, they scored a lot of goals at this competition. They have a very good attack, I can’t deny it. But tomorrow will be tomorrow. I am not scared at all, it’s a football game. We have our own quality, we have our strengths, and I think it will be a good game.”
Nigeria have been the tournament’s top scorers, netting 12 goals in four matches, led by Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams. Algeria, meanwhile, have relied on defensive solidity, conceding only once in their four games.
Mahrez also revealed that this edition of AFCON will be his last, adding personal motivation to pursue a second continental title.
“I want to do well. I think it will be my last Africa Cup of Nations. I don’t want to look too far ahead. Right now, I just want to focus on the next game and give everything, because it is very important for our country, our supporters, and our families,” he said.
Since making his international debut in 2014, Mahrez has earned over 100 caps, scoring 37 goals. His club career includes Premier League titles with Leicester City and Manchester City, as well as a Champions League triumph with City. Internationally, his standout moment came in 2019 when he helped Algeria win AFCON in Egypt, a campaign highlighted by a dramatic free-kick against Nigeria in the semi-finals.
“I think obviously there is pressure to win the game. Obviously, both teams want to go through. We are both great teams, and it will be the best team that goes through. And I hope it will be us. We have to do everything to perform in our best way,” Mahrez added.
So far in the tournament, Mahrez has been a key performer, scoring three goals as Algeria maintain a perfect record alongside Nigeria, both sides having won all four of their group matches in Morocco.#newsafro_
