Algerian midfielder Ramiz Zerrouki has conceded that the Desert Warriors were simply not good enough against Nigeria following their 2–0 quarter-final defeat at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The Super Eagles dominated the contest from start to finish and deservedly booked their place in the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat next Wednesday.
Zerrouki, who featured for 60 minutes before being substituted, struggled to match Nigeria’s midfield trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Frank Onyeka, and Alex Iwobi, who controlled the tempo and rhythm of the encounter.
Speaking after the game, the FC Twente midfielder admitted that Nigeria were superior both physically and tactically.
More Read
“We were not good enough to get a result,” Zerrouki said. “It’s difficult to say much right after the game. We tried our best and gave everything, but unfortunately, we lost. Life goes on, and we have to be ready for the next challenges.”
Despite the disappointment of the quarter-final exit, Algeria can take positives from their overall campaign, having improved significantly on their 2023 AFCON outing, where they were eliminated at the group stage.
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
