CAN 2025 / Algeria – Nigeria: "This will be my last AFCON," Riyad Mahrez reveals

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·9. Januar 2026

CAN 2025 / Algeria – Nigeria: "This will be my last AFCON," Riyad Mahrez reveals

CAN 2025 / Algeria – Nigeria: Riyad Mahrez announces his final AFCON

CAN 2025 / Algeria – Nigeria: "This will be my last AFCON," Riyad Mahrez reveals

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Alongside Vladimir Petkovic, Riyad Mahrez set the tone on the eve of the 2025 AFCON quarter-final against Nigeria. The Algerian captain was quick to separate this encounter from the one in 2019, underlining the radically different context:

"This match against Nigeria will be very different from the one in 2019. That was in Egypt, with different players, a different style of play, and a different journey."

A clear message, intended to avoid any hasty comparisons.

"What we’ve done so far is very good, but we need to do even better, and we’re capable of it."

He also acknowledged the growing attacking threat of the Super Eagles:

"The current Nigerian team is better offensively than the one in 2019. There are a lot of talented players in this squad."

Then, with confidence, he added:

"We also have a very good team, and we’ll give everything to make our fans happy. It’s going to be a great match."

Asked about his demeanor on the bench, Mahrez clarified:

"Being on the bench naturally makes me nervous; I like to interact and communicate. The decision to bring on Zerrouki and Boulbina was entirely up to the coach. As for me, I just encouraged them and gave a few tips."

Then, in a heartfelt revelation, he shared his personal motivation: