By Amofokhai Williams
The Super Eagles of Nigeria will square up against Algeria in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations after Algeria edged DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in a gruelling Round of 16 encounter on Tuesday evening.
The tightly fought contest appeared destined for penalties until the dying moments of extra time, when substitute Adil Boulbina delivered a moment of pure magic in the 119th minute.
Picking up the ball outside the box, Boulbina struck a fierce mid-range effort that flew beyond goalkeeper Lionel Mpasi-Nzau and into the top corner, sparking wild celebrations among the Algerian players and fans.
Both sides endured a physically demanding 120 minutes marked by injuries, stoppages and a flurry of yellow cards as tempers frayed.
Algeria dominated possession for long stretches, circulating the ball patiently and probing for openings, but were repeatedly frustrated by DR Congo’s disciplined defensive shape.
Riyad Mahrez tested the Congolese defence with set-pieces and long-range efforts, while Fares Chaibi and Mohamed Amoura came close without finding a breakthrough.
DR Congo, for their part, threatened on the counter and through set-pieces. Cedric Bakambu forced an early save from Luca Zidane after a surging run, while Nathanael Mbuku and Chancel Mbemba both went close as the Congolese side showed resilience and belief.
However, their energy waned as injuries mounted and substitutions disrupted their rhythm late on.
Nigeria, meanwhile, stormed into the quarter-finals earlier on Monday with a commanding 4–0 demolition of Mozambique, producing one of their most convincing performances of the tournament.
The emphatic win reinforced the Super Eagles’ growing confidence and attacking sharpness heading into the business end of the competition.
The quarter-final clash now sets up a heavyweight showdown between two continental heavyweights, with Nigeria’s pace and firepower set to be tested against Algeria’s organisation, experience and ability to grind out results under pressure.
Up eagles