Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were on target as the Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Algeria 2–0 on Saturday to book a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Nigeria delivered a composed and dominant performance at the Stade de Marrakech, maintaining their impressive run in the tournament under head coach Eric Chelle.
Chelle retained the same starting line-up that brushed aside Mozambique in the round of 16, with Stanley Nwabali in goal. The defensive quartet of Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Bruno Onyemaechi provided cover at the back.
Captain Wilfred Ndidi anchored the midfield alongside Frank Onyeka and Alex Iwobi, while Osimhen led the attack, supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams.
The Super Eagles took control of proceedings from the opening exchanges. Osimhen missed an early opportunity in the seventh minute, heading over the bar, while Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane produced a fine save to deny Lookman from close range in the 23rd minute.
Despite Nigeria’s dominance and several scoring chances, the first half ended goalless.
The breakthrough came two minutes after the restart when Osimhen rose highest to power home a header from Onyemaechi’s delivery, giving Nigeria a deserved lead.
Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 57th minute as Akor Adams showed composure to round the Algerian goalkeeper before slotting into an empty net.
Algeria attempted a response with a triple substitution, introducing fresh legs, but the Fennecs struggled to threaten a well-organised Nigerian side.
Chelle later brought on Raphael Onyedika and Moses Simon to reinforce the midfield and maintain attacking momentum.
Algeria recorded their first meaningful effort late in the game, but it failed to trouble Nwabali. Akor came close to adding a third goal in the 82nd minute when his effort struck the woodwork.
Nigeria comfortably saw out the contest to secure a place in the semi-finals, where they will face tournament hosts Morocco on Wednesday. The second semi-final will see the winner of Egypt versus Ivory Coast take on Senegal.
The Super Eagles’ assured display further underlined their credentials as strong contenders for the continental title.
Israel’s Defence Minister, Israel Katz, has placed the military on high alert ahead of the…
The Osun State Amotekun Corps has clarified that four of its operatives were voluntarily handed…
The Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has warned political parties, candidates and their agents against…
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has urged Nigerian teachers to embrace emerging technologies, including…
Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, has said no survivor has been recovered from Monday’s military…
President Bola Tinubu has declared three days of national mourning for the Nigerian Air Force…