The Nigeria vs Algeria rivalry at the Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most symbolic in African football, marked by defining moments that shaped both nations’ legacies. From triumph to heartbreak, these encounters tell a powerful story spanning nearly four decades.
Softfootball highlights 3 major history that has been made upon the two countries meeting in AFCON competitions from (1980 – 2019)
1980 – Nigeria’s First AFCON Glory
Nigeria lifted their first-ever AFCON title on home soil in Lagos after a commanding 3–0 victory over Algeria in the final. The win announced the Super Eagles as a new force in African football and remains one of the proudest moments in Nigeria’s sporting history.
1990 – Algeria’s Perfect Revenge
Exactly ten years later, Algeria returned the favour. Playing on home soil, the Desert Foxes defeated Nigeria 1–0 in the AFCON final, securing their first continental title and flipping the script against the same opponent who denied them glory in 1980.
2019 – Mahrez’s Cairo Heartbreak
In the AFCON 2019 semi-final, Riyad Mahrez delivered one of the tournament’s most iconic moments, scoring a stunning stoppage-time free kick to give Algeria a 2–1 victory over Nigeria in Cairo. Algeria went on to lift the trophy, while Nigeria were left to rue another painful chapter in the rivalry.
From Lagos to Algiers to Cairo, Nigeria vs Algeria has consistently delivered high-stakes drama and historic consequences. As both nations continue to meet on Africa’s biggest stage, the rivalry remains one of AFCON’s most compelling storylines.
