Nigeria and Algeria Advance to Wafcon Quarter-Finals: A Tactical Analysis

Nigeria and Algeria Progress at Wafcon After Draw

Image source, Getty Images Image caption, Chiamaka Nnadozie kept her third successive clean sheet for Nigeria at this year's Women's Africa Cup of Nations finals

Emmanuel Akindubuwa BBC Sport Africa Published 13 July 2025, 22:16 BST Updated 32 minutes ago

Nigeria set up a quarter-final showdown with Zambia at the 2024 Women's Africa Cup of Nations after a 0-0 draw with Algeria secured the Super Falcons top spot in Group B. The result in Casablanca also meant the North Africans progressed to the last eight, where they will face the second-placed finisher in Group C.

Match Highlights and Tactical Insights

Nigeria, chasing a record-extending 10th Wafcon title, topped Group B on seven points without conceding a goal. Despite their defensive solidity, questions remain about their attacking sharpness as they prepare to face Zambia on Friday.

The Super Falcons dominated possession against Algeria and created numerous chances, but were thwarted by a compact and resilient Algerian defence. Rasheedat Ajibade and Jennifer Echegini were the most threatening players, with their runs from wide areas and midfield causing problems for the Algerian backline.

Clear-cut chances were rare for Nigeria, and when they did come, they were unable to convert. The match ended with Nigeria pressing for a late winner, with Echegini sending a curling effort just wide in the 89th minute.

Algeria's Milestone Performance

For Algeria, the draw marked a significant achievement as they reached the knockout stages of a Wafcon finals for the first time. Their progress has been built on a solid defence, having also progressed without conceding a goal. Ghoutia Karchouni's winner against Botswana was their only goal of the group stage but proved enough to extend their stay in Morocco until their quarter-final tie next Saturday.

Other Group B Results

Elsewhere in Group B, Botswana came from behind to beat Tunisia 2-1, boosting their chances of advancing as one of the two best-ranked third-placed sides. Yesmin Khanchouch's 12th-minute effort put Tunisia ahead, but Lesego Radiakanyo equalised midway through the second half. Both teams would have been eliminated by a 1-1 draw, but Botswana grabbed a dramatic winner in the sixth minute of stoppage time through Gaonyadiwe Ontlametse.

Looking Ahead

Sunday's results mean defending champions South Africa and Mali are both assured of a place in the quarter-finals before Group C culminates on Monday (19:00 GMT). Banyana Banyana face the West Africans in Oujda, while Ghana take on Tanzania in Berkane, with both sides needing to win to progress.