AFCON 2025: Ismaël Bennacer set to miss Nigeria match

Ismaël Bennacer is expected to miss Saturday’s CAN 2025 quarterfinal against Nigeria, a major blow for Algeria’s Fennecs.

The AC Milan midfielder, who was forced off with an injury during the victory over DR Congo, is suffering from hamstring discomfort.

Although the final results of the tests are still pending, initial medical indications are prompting Vladimir Petkovic’s staff to exercise extreme caution.

The absence of the Algerian playmaker would be a major loss for the midfield, given how valuable his contribution has been since the start of the tournament.

The coaching staff is already exploring alternatives, with Himad Abdelli in pole position to compensate for his likely absence.

The goal now is to preserve Bennacer for a possible semifinal, while calmly preparing for the match against the Super Eagles without him.