CAN 2025 / Algeria – Nigeria: Petkovic bides his time before Marrakech
The Algerian squad continues its preparations in Rabat, taking things in stride. Having secured a spot in the CAN 2025 quarter-finals, the Greens have opted to remain based in the Moroccan capital, where they’ve been stationed for nearly three weeks, rather than heading straight to Marrakech, the stage for their upcoming clash against Nigeria, scheduled for Saturday at 5 p.m.
Settled at the Marriott hotel and training regularly at the Mohammed VI Academy in Salé, the team led by Vladimir Petkovic is prioritizing stability. The players are familiar with their environment and facilities, and the coaching staff believes that moving earlier would offer no sporting advantage, especially since the Confederation of African Football does not allow teams to inspect stadiums until the day before their matches.
The Algerian Football Federation is therefore considering arriving in Marrakech only on Friday morning, on the eve of the quarter-final against Nigeria. The timing isn’t universally approved, as CAF would prefer the squad to travel as early as Thursday to ensure all protocol and media obligations are met. A final decision is expected in the coming hours.
