Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked a place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria on Saturday night, delivering one of their most complete performances of the tournament in Marrakech.
Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams settled the quarter-final and confirmed a last-four showdown with tournament hosts Morocco.
The result underlined Nigeria’s growing authority at AFCON 2025 and extended their impressive record of deep runs at the continental showpiece.
Osimhen broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart, guiding the ball home after Bruno Onyemaechi sent in a deep cross from the left. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane misjudged his leap badly, allowing the striker to score with little resistance.
Nigeria doubled their advantage 10 minutes later through Adams. Osimhen turned provider this time, slipping an unselfish pass into the path of the Montpellier forward, who rounded Zidane calmly before rolling the ball into an unguarded net.
The goals reflected Nigeria’s dominance on the night. The Super Eagles dictated the tempo from the opening whistle, pressed aggressively, and denied Algeria a single clear scoring opportunity across 90 minutes.
Algeria entered the match as one of the tournament favourites, but they struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace, physicality, and organisation. By halftime, the Fennec Foxes were already fortunate not to be behind.
Nigeria’s intensity was striking, especially considering they had missed out on World Cup qualification just two months earlier. Against that backdrop, the performance felt both defiant and reassuring for a side determined to reclaim continental supremacy.
For official competition details, fixtures, and tournament regulations, see the Confederation of African Football’s AFCON portal (nofollow, open in new page).
Nigeria’s Dominance Evident Long Before the Goals
Nigeria came close to opening the scoring in the first half as chances fell their way with increasing regularity. Algeria centre-back Ramy Bensebaini produced a crucial clearance on the line in the 29th minute after Ademola Lookman’s free kick deceived Zidane.
The Algerian goalkeeper misread the flight of the ball, allowing Calvin Bassey to steer a close-range effort goalward from a tight angle. Bensebaini hooked the ball clear, though television replays appeared to show the entire ball had crossed the line.
A VAR review followed, but with no goal-line technology available, officials ruled no goal. The decision frustrated Nigeria but did little to alter their approach.
Another major chance arrived in the 37th minute. Zidane’s poor clearance towards full-back Aïssa Mandi was intercepted by Alex Iwobi, who immediately fed Adams. With only the goalkeeper to beat, the forward dragged his left-footed effort wide.
Nigeria continued to apply pressure after the break, and Adams nearly added a second personal goal late on. In the 82nd minute, he headed against the post after Osimhen’s relentless pressing created yet another opening.
Algeria appeared short of energy throughout the contest. Their path to the quarter-finals had included a gruelling extra-time victory over the Democratic Republic of Congo in the round of 16. In contrast, Nigeria arrived fresher after a comfortable 4–0 win over Mozambique.
The physical disparity showed. Nigeria were quicker to second balls, sharper in duels, and more decisive in possession. Algeria’s attacking threats were effectively neutralised, leaving goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali largely untroubled.
Match statistics and tournament data are available on CAF’s official competition centre (nofollow, open in new page).
Osimhen Leads, Adams Delivers, Morocco Awaits
Nigeria’s victory once again highlighted Victor Osimhen’s importance in the squad. His opening goal settled nerves, while his assist for Adams demonstrated maturity and team-first decision-making.
For his efforts, Osimhen he was awarded the Player of the Match.
Akor Adams, despite missing earlier chances, responded positively when it mattered most. His movement troubled Algeria’s defence all night, and his goal effectively ended the contest.
Defensively, Nigeria were equally impressive. Calvin Bassey marshalled the back line with authority, while Bruno Onyemaechi produced arguably his best performance in a Nigeria shirt, combining defensive discipline with attacking quality.
Midfield control was central to the win. Wilfred Ndidi anchored proceedings before leaving with an injury, while Alex Iwobi dictated play with composure and vision.
Nigeria have now reached the semi-finals 17 times in the last 20 AFCON tournaments they have qualified for, reinforcing their status as one of Africa’s most consistent football powers.
They will face Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday, a clash expected to test their tactical discipline and mental strength. Morocco, backed by home support, pose a different challenge, but Nigeria’s confidence is visibly growing
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković was gracious in defeat. “Nigeria was better than us and prevented us from playing the way we wanted,” he said.
He acknowledged Nigeria’s superiority in key areas. “They showed superior individual quality and physical strength,” Petković noted.
Reflecting on his team’s exit, he added, “The players are devastated, but they performed well throughout the tournament.”
