By Amofokhai Williams
The Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured their place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a commanding 2-0 quarterfinal win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in the early stages of the second half sealed the result, sending Nigeria through to face tournament hosts Morocco in the last four.
This heavyweight clash pitted Nigeria’s lethal attack, boasting the tournament’s highest-scoring record, against Algeria’s formidable defense, which had conceded just once prior to this match.
The Desert Foxes, led by captain Riyad Mahrez in what he described as his final AFCON, entered as 2019 champions but were unable to match Nigeria’s intensity.
The first half remained goalless despite Nigeria’s dominance. The Super Eagles controlled possession (around 56%) and created several chances, with Ademola Lookman and Alex Iwobi pulling the strings in midfield.
Calvin Bassey’s effort was cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini, while Akor Adams hit the post from close range. Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane made key saves, including denying Lookman, but the Fennecs failed to register a single shot on target throughout the game.
Nigeria struck early in the second half to break the deadlock. Just two minutes after the restart, Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a precise cross that found Victor Osimhen at the back post for a clinical header, making it 0-1. Osimhen’s goal showcased his aerial prowess and clinical finishing, continuing his strong form in the tournament.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead in the 57th minute through a moment of unselfish brilliance. Alex Iwobi threaded a pass to Osimhen, who could have shot but instead squared the ball to Akor Adams. The forward rounded Zidane with composure and tapped into an empty net for 0-2. Adams’ finish highlighted his growing influence as a key attacking option for Nigeria.
Algeria pushed for a response with substitutions including Baghdad Bounedjah and Anis Hadj Moussa, but they struggled to create clear opportunities.
The game saw several bookings, with Algeria’s players picking up five yellow cards amid growing frustration, while Nigeria’s Wilfred Ndidi and others were cautioned.
Late in the match, Stanley Nwabali received treatment after a challenge, but Nigeria held firm through six minutes of added time.
The result marks a statement performance for Eric Chelle’s side, who have now won all five of their matches in the tournament, scoring prolifically while maintaining defensive solidity.
Nigeria’s progression avenges past encounters with Algeria and positions them as serious contenders for a fourth continental title, their first since 2013, after falling short in the 2023 final.
Algeria, despite a strong group stage and extra-time win over DR Congo in the round of 16, exit the competition having been outplayed in key moments.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic’s men will reflect on missed chances and an inability to test Nigeria’s backline effectively.
Nigeria now advance to a high-stakes semifinal against Morocco on January 14 in Rabat, promising another intense battle as the Super Eagles chase glory on the continental stage.
