Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez has tipped Nigeria's Super Eagles as favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following his own team's defeat.
Mahrez was on the pitch for an hour as Algeria faced Nigeria in a quarter-final clash at Stade Marrakech on Saturday.
The former Manchester City star, who had already scored three goals in the tournament, was expected to be a major threat to the Nigerian defence.
However, the Super Eagles effectively neutralised Mahrez as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Algeria.
Mahrez speaks on Nigeria winning AFCON
Despite his disappointment, Mahrez graciously endorsed the Super Eagles, citing their talented squad as a key reason they could go all the way in Morocco.
The Al-Ahli forward had previously stated this would be his final AFCON, making the quarter-final exit particularly poignant.
"I'm happy I was able to win one AFCON trophy for my country. It's football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose," Mahrez said.
"Maybe it will be the time for Nigeria to win. They have a good generation. But sometimes, you can have a good generation, but you don't win. It's really difficult to win, but I think they have a good chance."
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https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/it-will-be-the-time-for-nigeria-mahrez-tips-super-eagles-to-win-2025-afcon-2026011210094967327
Mahrez was on the pitch for an hour as Algeria faced Nigeria in a quarter-final clash at Stade Marrakech on Saturday.
The former Manchester City star, who had already scored three goals in the tournament, was expected to be a major threat to the Nigerian defence.
However, the Super Eagles effectively neutralised Mahrez as they cruised to a 2-0 victory over Algeria.
Mahrez speaks on Nigeria winning AFCON
Despite his disappointment, Mahrez graciously endorsed the Super Eagles, citing their talented squad as a key reason they could go all the way in Morocco.
The Al-Ahli forward had previously stated this would be his final AFCON, making the quarter-final exit particularly poignant.
"I'm happy I was able to win one AFCON trophy for my country. It's football, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose," Mahrez said.
"Maybe it will be the time for Nigeria to win. They have a good generation. But sometimes, you can have a good generation, but you don't win. It's really difficult to win, but I think they have a good chance."
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO READ FULL STORY:
https://www.pulsesports.ng/football/story/it-will-be-the-time-for-nigeria-mahrez-tips-super-eagles-to-win-2025-afcon-2026011210094967327