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Tag: Algeria

Nigeria Begins Africa Handball Nations Cup Campaign with Victory Over Algeria

Fola Badmus02 mins

Nigeria’s Senior Men Handball Team, the Golden Arrows, began their campaign at the 27th Africa Men’s Handball Nations Cup on a winning note with a hard-fought 25–23 victory over Algeria in their opening Group A match on Wednesday in Kigali, Rwanda. The encounter, played at the Petit Stade, saw Nigeria take early control and head into the break with a 16–13 first-half advantage, thanks to a disciplined defensive display and efficient finishing in attack. Algeria mounted a strong fightback after the restart, closing the gap and testing Nigeria’s resolve, but the Golden Arrows held firm in the closing minutes to secure a deserved two points at the end of regulation time. Key contributions came from Faruk Yusuf, who provided leadership and goals from the backcourt, while John Shagari was influential on the left flank. In goal, Michael Agbaji produced crucial saves at decisive moments to frustrate the Algerians and preserve Nigeria’s narrow lead which earned him the man of the match award The win places Nigeria in a strong position in Group A, which also features hosts Rwanda and Zambia. The Golden Arrows will return to action on Thursday, when they face Zambia in their second group match, scheduled for 1:00pm as they continue their quest for a podium finish in the continental championship which serves as qualifiers for the 2027 World Men’s Handball Championship in Germany.

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CAF Bans, Fines Algerian Players After Nigeria Quarter-Final Incident

Wale busari02 mins

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has sanctioned Algeria following disturbances linked to their quarter-final clash with Nigeria. CAF’s Disciplinary Board announced both sporting and financial penalties against the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), citing misconduct by players, officials, and fans during and after the match. Player Suspensions Two Algerian players have been suspended for future international matches: Goalkeeper Luca Zidane will miss two games during the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Rafik Belghali received a four-match ban, with two matches suspended, meaning he will serve two immediately unless further violations occur. Fines FAF was fined a total of USD 100,000 for various breaches: USD 5,000 for team misconduct linked to yellow and red cards USD 25,000 for inappropriate conduct by players and officials USD 5,000 for flare usage USD 5,000 for throwing objects USD 10,000 for failing to respect security measures USD 50,000 for offensive gestures directed at referees CAF described the behaviour as serious violations of its disciplinary and safety rules, particularly those concerning referees and match security. Appeal in Progress The Algerian Football Federation has immediately filed an appeal against the sanctions. The matter will be reviewed by CAF’s Appeals Committee, which will decide whether the suspensions and fines will stand or be reduced. Algeria is now preparing for upcoming international fixtures while the appeal process unfolds.

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Nigeria Set To Clash With Morocco In AFCON 2025 Semifinals After Beating Algeria 2–0

Wale busari02 mins

Nigeria advanced to the AFCON 2025 semifinals with a 2–0 triumph over Algeria on Sunday, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against tournament hosts Morocco. Morocco had secured their semifinal spot a day earlier by defeating Cameroon 2–0 in Rabat, marking their first return to the AFCON last four since 2004. Buoyed by their passionate home fans, the Atlas Lions are now just one win away from a historic final on home soil. The quarterfinal clash between Nigeria and Algeria was intense and physical in the first half, ending goalless at the break. Nigeria surged after the restart, with Victor Osimhen opening the scoring in the 47th minute through a powerful header. Ten minutes later, Osimhen set up Akor Adams to double the lead, sealing Nigeria’s place in the semifinals. Wednesday’s semifinal will be the fifth AFCON meeting between Morocco and Nigeria. The two nations are evenly matched historically, with Morocco winning twice in 1976, Nigeria taking a semifinal in 1980, and Morocco edging the 2004 encounter. With two wins apiece, this semifinal will finally tip the balance and determine who moves on to the final. The clash between Morocco and Nigeria takes place on Wednesday, January 14, with both teams aiming to make history and secure a place in the AFCON 2025 final.

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Morocco 2025: Marrakech Set For a War Like No Other

Fola Badmus05 mins

Saturday’s third quarter-final of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations is certainly the pick of the last-8 clashes, as Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the Fennecs of Algeria clash for the 23rd time at senior level, since their first encounter at the 2nd All-Africa Games in Lagos 55 years ago.   Games between both teams over the past five-and-half decades have been laced with thrills and frills, shocking scorelines, drama, end-game flips, stunning comebacks, awesome performances by star players, and a bit of infamy.   The encounter in Marrakech will be the 10th time that both countries will clash in African football’s biggest championship, with Nigeria having won only three of the previous nine duels. Algeria have won four, and the other two have ended in stalemates.   One stalemate was the infamous clash of Bouake in 1984, when both teams were suspected to have ‘reached an accord’ to play a scoreless draw in order for both teams to qualify to the semi-finals, and get Cup holders Ghana eliminated.   Nigeria defeated Algeria to win their first AFCON trophy on home soil in 1980, and 10 years later, Algeria defeated Nigeria to win their first AFCON on home soil!   Marrakechi, Morocco’s fourth largest city, is set to host a massive showdown that will create its own story as a chapter in the book of one of African football’s greatest rivalries.   FIFA World Cup Do-Me-I -Do-You   NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (10 October 1981): The highest-stakes confrontations between Nigeria and Algeria have been in FIFA World Cup qualifying series, starting with the shocking defeat of then reigning African champions Nigeria by the Fennecs in Lagos in October 1981.   Before the match, a couple of decisions by then NFA (including an increase in match ticket price) did not go down with the players. A couple of retired players were brought back to the team, creating discontent and disharmony. Algeria ran away with a 2-0 win, both goals scored in the first half.   ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (30 October 1981): In Constantine three weeks later, not much could be rescued. The Eagles lost 1-2 and crashed out of the race.   NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (03 July 1993): Visitors Algeria raced to an early lead through striker Abdelhafid Tasfaout, but Nigeria clawed their way back starting with Jay Jay Okocha’s free-kick, and an imperious Rashidi Yekini display, to win 4-1.   ALGERIA VS NIGERIA (08 Oct 1993): Algeria fought hard to stop Nigeria’s bid for a first-ever FIFA World Cup ticket, but failed. Finidi George’s first-half goal was enough for a 1-1 finish and Nigeria’s ticket to USA 1994 was assured.   NIGERIA VS ALGERIA (03 July 2004): Joseph Yobo rose above everyone else at the far post to score Nigeria’s only goal in Abuja in a 2006 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

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Algeria, Nigeria To Face Off In AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals

Wale busari01 mins

Algeria and Nigeria are set to meet in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Fennec Foxes booked their place in the last eight with a late 1-0 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo. After a tense 90 minutes that ended goalless, it looked like the match would be decided by penalties. However, in the 118th minute, Adil Boulbina cut in from the left and fired a stunning strike to secure victory. The Super Eagles advanced on Monday following an emphatic 4-0 victory against Mozambique in Fez, setting up the eagerly anticipated clash with Algeria. The quarter-final showdown will take place on Saturday, January 10, with kick-off scheduled for 5pm local time.

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Algeria Qualifies for 2026 World Cup, 1st Time Since 2014

Fola Badmus04 mins

Algeria has become the fourth African country to qualify for the 2026 World Cup — and all of them are from the north of the continent. A 3-0 win over Somalia on Thursday guaranteed Algeria first place in Group G in African qualifying and a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Algeria, captained by Riyad Mahrez and led by former Switzerland coach Vladimir Petkovic, joined neighboring nations Morocco and Tunisia as well as Mohamed Salah’s Egypt in securing a spot in next year’s expanded 48-team tournament being held in the United States, Canada and Mexico. It will be the fifth time for the Algerians at the World Cup — and they’ve only ever progressed from the group stage once, in 2014 when they lost to Germany in the round of 16. A total of nine African teams will directly qualify and be in the World Cup tournament draw taking place on Dec. 5 in Washington D.C. The other five group winners will be known over the next week. The four best runners-up play in a knockout competition in November and the winner advances to the playoffs. Despite being a home game for Somalia, it was staged at the Miloud Hadefi Olympic Complex in Algeria and the fans were treated to a show by Mahrez — the team’s star winger who used to play for Manchester City and now is at Al Ahli in Saudi Arabia. The 34-year-old Mahrez set up goals for Mohamed Amoura in the sixth and 58th minutes, either side of scoring himself with a fierce strike into the roof of the net in the 19th. Mahrez started his international career weeks before the 2014 World Cup and was included in Algeria’s squad for the tournament, only playing in its first group game. Uganda stayed in second place in the group — four points behind Algeria — after beating Botswana 1-0 and moved three points clear of Mozambique, who lost 2-1 at home to Guinea. In the final round of matches, Uganda travel to Algeria and Mozambique play Somalia. All the African teams heading to the World Cup will look to repeat the exploits of Morocco, which became the first team from the continent to reach the semifinals in the 2022 tournament in Qatar.

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Zidane’s Son Gets First Algeria Call-Up for Crucial World Cup Qualifiers

Fola Badmus02 mins

French soccer great Zinedine Zidane´s son Luca was called up by Algeria for the first time Thursday, with the team close to qualifying for the 2026 World Cup in North America.   Luca Zidane, a 27-year-old goalkeeper, represented France at youth level but never for the senior national team and is eligible for Algeria through his father´s family ties.   FIFA approved a change of national eligibility two weeks ago for Zidane, who once played at Real Madrid when his father was coach there. He is now with Spanish second-division team Granada.   Algeria coach Vladimir Petkovic picked Zidane in a 26-player squad for qualifying games against Somalia on Oct. 9 and Uganda five days later.   Algeria leads the qualifying group by four points and a win in either game would send the team to the World Cup being co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.   Algeria has played at four men´s World Cups and reached the round of 16 at its last appearance in 2014.   Zinedine Zidane played at three World Cups for France, winning the 1998 title at home and losing the final in 2006. His red card in extra time of the 2006 final for headbutting Italy defender Marco Materazzi is part of World Cup lore and was his final game as a player.

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Morocco 2025: Flamingos Step Up Preparations as Algeria’s U17 Contingent Flies into Lagos

Fola Badmus03 mins

Nigeria’s U17 girls, Flamingos, have stepped up preparations for this weekend’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup final qualifying round, first leg clash with their counterparts from Algeria, scheduled for the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo. The 2022 World Cup bronze medallists, under the watchful eyes of Head Coach Bankole Olowookere and his assistants, have remained in camp at the stellar Remo Stars Sports Institute since the demolition of South Africa’s Bantwana over two legs last month. Nigeria trashed South Africa 3-1 in the first leg at the Lucas Moripe Stadium in Pretoria, and followed up with a 2-0 win in Ikenne-Remo for a handsome 5-1 aggregate. The Algerians suffered a 2-1 reverse in their first leg against Botswana in Gaborone, but fired from all cylinders to win 4-0 in the return leg in North Africa. The Algerian girls, whose senior team lost to the Super Falcons in two friendly matches in Ikenne-Remo and Lagos in October last year, will land in Lagos on Wednesday evening, while the match officials are expected to arrive in Nigeria on Thursday. The Confederation of African Football has appointed Ugandan Shamirah Nabadda as referee, with Fides Bangurambona from Burundi as assistant referee 1. Nabadda’s compatriots Immaculate Ongiera and Diana Murungi will serve as assistant 2 and fourth official respectively. Naa Odofoley Nortey from Ghana will be the commissioner, with South African Deidre Carmill Zealand to be in the role of referee assessor. Both teams will battle things out in the return leg at the Stade Mustapha Tchaker in Blida (outside Algiers) on Friday, 25th April, with the winner on aggregate qualifying for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup finals. This year’s FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup will be hosted by Morocco, 17 October – 8 November, with Africa to present 5 teams (including host nation Morocco) at the finals, which has been expanded to a 24-nation championship.

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