Algeria skipper, Riyad Mahrez, has announced that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations currently taking place in Morocco will be his final appearance at the continental showpiece, Afrosport reports.
The 34-year-old winger, who first pulled on the Desert Foxes jersey over ten years ago, said the time has come to step aside and allow younger players to take the spotlight after a distinguished international career with Algeria.
Speaking to the media during a pre-match press conference on Friday, Mahrez explained that his full attention is now on the immediate task ahead for the quarter-final against Nigeria.
“This AFCON will probably be my last,” he said. “Right now, my focus is on tomorrow’s match. It’s important for us to achieve something for ourselves, our families, and our country.”
Looking ahead to Saturday’s quarterfinal clash against Nigeria in Marrakech, the former Manchester City star acknowledged the quality of their opponents and the challenge that lies ahead.
“We know Nigeria very well, and it’s never an easy game against them,” Mahrez noted. “There is always pressure in matches like this because both teams want to qualify. In the end, the better side will advance, and I hope that will be us.”
𝑶𝒏𝒆, 𝑻𝒘𝒐, 𝑻𝒉𝒓𝒆𝒆… 𝑽𝒊𝒗𝒂 𝒍’𝑨𝒍𝒈é𝒓𝒊𝒆🇩🇿 pic.twitter.com/STsUXw4UJp
— Équipe d’Algérie de football (@LesVerts) January 6, 2026
The encounter also revives memories of their dramatic 2019 AFCON semifinal, when Mahrez’s stunning free-kick deep into stoppage time crushed Nigerian hopes and sent Algeria through to the final, a tournament they eventually won.
