The US president made the comment after being asked if the Christmas Day strikes were part of a broader campaign.

Osimhen, Salah and Mane lead a star-studded showdown as hosts Morocco look to win the Africa Cup of Nations crown.

Mohamed Salah has scored and Egypt has eliminated defending champion Ivory Coast to move into the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals with a 3-2 victory in Agadir.

Algeria vs Nigeria will kick off at 11 a.m. ET/ 8 a.m. PT in the United States. The match will kick off at 5 p.m. local time in Marrakech, Morocco, at the Stade de Marrakech. The match will be available to watch in the United States and in other countries through select TV channels and streaming services.

Nigeria, which is battling multiple armed groups, said last month that the US strikes were part of an exchange of intelligence and strategic coordination between the two nations.View on euronews

Nigeria’s preparations for its Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.

Viktor Osimhen was the hero with a goal and an assist in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria. Nigeria thus set up a clash against hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the AFCON.