Algeria could be without influential midfielder Ismael Bennacer for their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final encounter against Nigeria due to injury, Afrosport reports.
The 28-year-old is awaiting the outcome of further medical examinations after sustaining a hamstring injury during Algeria’s narrow round of 16 victory over DR Congo.
Bennacer was forced off early in the second half after pulling up with visible discomfort, immediately raising concerns within their camp. He was eventually replaced by Himad Abdelli with the Desert Foxes progressing to the last eight.
Early reports suggest the Dinamo Zagreb midfielder is expected to miss the much-anticipated showdown against the Super Eagles, which is scheduled for Saturday, 10 January, at the Stade de Marrakech.
Bennacer has been a key figure for Algeria throughout the tournament and his absence would represent a significant blow for head coach Vladimir Petkovic as he plans for one of the competition’s biggest fixtures.
Algeria booked their place in the quarter-finals with a hard-fought 1-0 win over DR Congo, sealed by a dramatic late goal, while Nigeria cruised into the last eight with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique.
The Super Eagles and the Desert Foxes are set to renew their fierce AFCON rivalry, with the clash in Marrakech marking their 10th meeting on the continental stage.
