Nigeria’s Super Eagles have advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech on Saturday evening.
Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were enough to dismantle the 2019 champions and secure Nigeria’s 16th appearance in the final four of the tournament.
Following a cagey and goalless first half characterised by tactical caution from both sides, Nigeria broke the deadlock just two minutes after the restart.
In the 47th minute, full-back Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a precise cross from the left flank, allowing Victor Osimhen to leap above the Algerian defence and power a header past goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage 10 minutes later. Alex Iwobi played a clever pass to Osimhen, who then found Akor Adams. Adams then slotted the ball into an empty net to make it 2-0.
The goal effectively ended Algeria’s resistance, as the ‘Desert Foxes’ struggled to find a response against a disciplined Nigerian midfield led by Wilfred Ndidi.
Despite late pressure from Algeria, the Nigerian backline, marshalled by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, remained impenetrable.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was called into action late in the game but remained composed to ensure a clean sheet, further frustrating an Algerian side that finished the match with five yellow cards as tempers flared in the closing stages.
By Ezinwanne Onwuka
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