Algeria have secured their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after edging past DR Congo in a tense Round of 16 encounter decided in extra time. The hard-fought victory confirms a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Nigeria, one of the tournament favourites.

The Round of 16 match, played today – Tuesday, January 6, 2026, was a tightly contested affair that showcased defensive discipline, tactical patience, and moments of high drama. Both Algeria and DR Congo approached the game cautiously, fully aware that a single mistake could end their AFCON journey.

Despite several attempts from both sides, the match remained goalless after 90 minutes, forcing the game into extra time. DR Congo defended bravely and looked set to take the tie to penalties, but Algeria found the breakthrough when it mattered most.

Substitute Adil Boulbina emerged as the hero for Algeria, scoring the decisive goal deep into extra time to seal a 1–0 victory. His late strike sent Algerian fans into celebration and brought DR Congo’s impressive AFCON campaign to an abrupt end.

The result shows Algeria’s resilience and experience at major tournaments. Known for their ability to manage pressure moments, the North Africans once again demonstrated why they remain one of Africa’s most respected football nations.

What This Means for Nigeria

With the win, Algeria now advance to face Nigeria in the quarter-finals, setting up one of the most anticipated fixtures of AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles, who have also shown strong form in the tournament, will be preparing for a physical and tactical battle against Algerian.

The Nigeria vs Algeria quarter-final is expected to draw massive attention from football fans across the continent, as both teams boast rich AFCON histories, world-class talent, and a strong desire to lift the trophy.

AFCON 2025 continues to deliver drama, and the upcoming quarter-final between Nigeria and Algeria on Saturday is shaping up to be one of the defining matches of the competition.