Nigeria’s 2025 Africa Cup of Nations campaign has been marked by impressive, controlled, and ruthless performances, propelling the Super Eagles into the quarter-finals. However, their journey has been punctuated by significant off-field turmoil, including a bonus payment dispute and an on-field player confrontation, all while preparing to face Algeria in a highly anticipated rematch of the 2019 semi-final.

The Super Eagles arrive in the last eight with a perfect record, having secured group-stage victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1), followed by a commanding 4-0 win against Mozambique in the round of 16. This dominant run has established them as strong contenders for their fourth continental crown, aiming to add to triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013, and extend their record as the most consistent medal winners in AFCON history.

Their quarter-final opponents, Algeria, have also demonstrated efficiency, needing extra time to overcome DR Congo and maintaining their own winning streak. Former Nigerian international Garba Lawal stressed the importance of combining confidence with caution, warning that “one individual mistake can change everything” at this crucial stage. The historical rivalry adds another layer of intensity, recalling Algeria's victory over Nigeria in the 2019 semi-final, secured by a late Riyad Mahrez free-kick.

A compelling individual storyline surrounds the match, pitting Nigeria's formidable attack against Algeria's stout defense. Nigeria’s in-form forwards, Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, have each scored three goals in Morocco, accounting for half of the Super Eagles' record-equalling 12 goals. They face Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, son of legendary Zinedine Zidane, who at 27 has kept clean sheets against Sudan and Burkina Faso in the group stage and returned to help eliminate DR Congo. Zidane, born in France but representing Algeria, has conceded only one goal in four games, making him the only first-choice goalkeeper at the quarter-final stage yet to concede a goal in the tournament.

Despite their on-field success, Nigeria's preparations were severely disrupted by a brewing dispute over unpaid match bonuses. Players threatened to boycott training and refuse to travel to Marrakech unless outstanding win bonuses for four matches (against Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda, and Mozambique) were paid. The crisis, which emerged in Fez, exposed long-running administrative failures within Nigerian football management. BBC journalist Oluwashina Okeleji initially broke the story, reporting that both players and coaching staff were awaiting payments.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), led by President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, swiftly moved to address the situation, showing players documents confirming payment processing. Officials from the National Sports Commission (NSC), overseeing the NFF, clarified that funds were routed through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and would reach players' accounts within seven days. This delay was attributed to government policy discouraging cash transportation, especially foreign currency. Additionally, privately funded bonuses, totaling $80,000 ($5,000 per goal in the group stage, $10,000 per goal in knockout rounds), had already been paid. Nigeria’s Minister of State Finance, Dr. Doris Nkiruka Uzoka-Anite, also confirmed the Federal Government and CBN were fast-tracking foreign exchange processing.

While players did not speak publicly, their actions indicated cautious acceptance, as they eventually returned to training. NSC chairman Shehu Dikko publicly affirmed the crisis resolution and the team's travel to Marrakech, explaining bureaucratic delays in fund disbursement despite presidential approval months earlier. However, the controversy drew sharp criticism from figures like former presidential candidate Peter Obi, who deemed the situation a “national disgrace” and highlighted the Super Eagles’ history of threatened boycotts due to administrative issues.

Adding to the week's tensions was an on-field altercation between Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman during the 4-0 victory over Mozambique. Osimhen, frustrated by perceived selfishness from teammates, vocally confronted Lookman and Bright Osayi-Samuel, even requesting a substitution and refusing to join post-game prayers and the lap of honor. Chelsea legend Mikel Obi defended Osimhen's passion and warrior spirit, stating that such competitive fire is essential for success, though he criticized Osimhen for signaling a substitution and walking off without his teammates. Sources confirmed the incident was settled internally the same night with intervention from senior officials, including NSC Chairman Shehu Dikko, with both players reaffirming their commitment. Osimhen later reportedly apologized to his teammates.

Despite these internal issues, the team's focus appears to have shifted entirely to the quarter-final. Former midfielder Ogenyi Onazi challenged the Super Eagles, stating it would be “shameful” for a squad of such talent to fail to win the AFCON title. Following the resolution of the bonus dispute and the internal handling of the Osimhen-Lookman spat, the Super Eagles departed Fez for Marrakech, with Victor Osimhen confirmed to be part of the travelling party. They are expected to hold their final training session in Marrakech, intensifying preparations for the clash against Algeria, as they aim to continue their impressive run and move closer to a fourth AFCON title, despite the lingering question of whether administrative chaos will resurface in the future.