When a reporter informed Mahrez that the Super Eagles have already netted a tournament-high 12 goals in just four matches, the former Manchester City star didn't hold back. With a grin, he joked that the sheer firepower of the Nigerian attack—led by a red-hot Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen—is enough to make any defender lose sleep.
"I Want One Last Trophy": The End of an Era?
Beneath the jokes, however, lies a serious mission. Mahrez, now 34 and currently one of the tournament's top scorers with three goals, dropped a bombshell about his future with the national team.
“This will be my last AFCON,” Mahrez declared. “I want to win another trophy with this generation. We have a blend of experience and incredible young talent, and I want to leave on the highest note possible.”
For Mahrez, this tournament is personal. He was the hero of the 2019 semi-final, knocking Nigeria out with a legendary 95th-minute free-kick. Now, he’s looking to repeat history one last time before hanging up his international boots.
The "Unstoppable Force" vs. The "Immovable Wall"
The Saturday showdown in Marrakech is being billed as the ultimate test of styles:
• Nigeria (The Best Attack): 12 goals scored. The Super Eagles are the only team in the tournament with a 100% winning record, including a dominant 4-0 thrashing of Mozambique in the Round of 16.
• Algeria (The Best Defense): Only 1 goal conceded. Led by captain Mahrez and bolstered by the presence of Luca Zidane in goal, the Desert Foxes have been nearly impossible to break down.
Match Preview: Nigeria vs. Algeria
| Key Stats | Super Eagles | Desert Foxes |
| Goals Scored | 12 | 6 |
| Goals Conceded | 4 | 1 |
| Top Scorer | A. Lookman (3) | R. Mahrez (3) |
| Last Meeting | 2019 Semi-final | (Algeria won 2-1) |
Will History Repeat Itself?
When asked if fans should expect another last-minute free-kick miracle like in 2019, Mahrez smiled and said, “Another last-minute free kick? We’ll see; anything is possible.”
With Nigeria having recently cleared their internal "bonus dispute" and officially arrived in Marrakech this afternoon, the stage is set for a match that many are calling the "real final" of the competition.