The Nigerian national team, the Super Eagles, have arrived at their quarter-final battleground, setting the stage for a titanic clash against North African rivals Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The team’s transition from Fès to Marrakech marks a critical pivot from the group stage to the tournament’s knockout phase, where every match is a potential elimination.
The Super Eagles’ arrival at Marrakech-Menara Airport on Thursday ahead of their 2025 AFCON quarter-final clash against Algeria’s Desert Foxes. (Photo Credit: NAN)
By Victor Okoye
Fès (Morocco), Jan. 8, 2026 (NAN) – The Super Eagles touched down in Marrakech at approximately 4:14 p.m. local time on Thursday, completing a short 74-minute flight from Fès. The logistical move is more than a change of city; it signifies entry into the high-pressure crucible of AFCON’s final eight, where mental fortitude becomes as vital as physical skill.
The team has settled into the Savoy Le Grand Hotel, which will serve as their basecamp for the duration of their stay in Marrakech. This consolidation is standard practice in tournament football, designed to minimize travel disruptions and build a cohesive, focused environment ahead of the decisive match.
Team Media Officer, Promise Efoghe, confirmed the smooth arrival and immediately outlined the new priority: “We had a smooth trip from Fès despite the tight schedule, and the focus now is unequivocally on recovery and preparation,” he told NAN. This statement underscores the modern athletic approach where post-travel recovery—through hydration, nutrition, and physiotherapy—is integral to peak performance.
In a move highlighting the team’s strategic management, all media engagements planned for Thursday were postponed. “Given the late arrival, the players requested time to rest, and we urge everyone to respect that decision,” Efoghe stated. This protective measure is crucial. At this stage of a major tournament, minimizing external distractions and maximizing player downtime can be the difference between fresh and fatigued legs in the game’s final minutes.
Efoghe assured that updates, particularly regarding the crucial ‘Match Day Minus One’ (MD-1) activities—typically the final training session and pre-match press conference—would be communicated promptly to the media.
According to the tentative schedule, the Eagles are billed to train at the Grande Stade Annex 2 from 6 p.m. Efoghe noted that media access would be restricted to the standard 15-minute opening period, as per Confederation of African Football (CAF) regulations. This limited window is typical for knockout rounds, as teams guard their tactical preparations closely.
The Stakes and the Rivalry: The upcoming fixture against Algeria’s Desert Foxes is not just any quarter-final. It rekindles one of African football’s most intense modern rivalries. Memories of Algeria’s last-gasp semi-final victory over Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON, settled by a Riyad Mahrez free-kick in the dying moments, will undoubtedly add a layer of historical context and desire for redemption within the Nigerian camp. This match is a classic clash of styles: Nigeria’s potent, pacey attack against Algeria’s traditionally disciplined and technically adept structure.
The quarter-final is scheduled for 5 p.m. at the Stade de Marrakech, a venue that will test both teams’ ability to handle the weight of expectation. For the Super Eagles, the mission in Marrakech is clear: navigate past a familiar foe to keep the dream of a fourth AFCON title alive.
VO/BRM
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Edited by Bashir Rabe Mani
