The Super Eagles showcased their power and efficiency as Nigeria outclassed Algeria to secure a 2–0 victory, booking its place in the semi-finals of Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
For forty-five minutes, the contest remained tight and tense. Algeria, well organised around a compact midfield block, managed to contain Nigeria’s attacks. Forwards Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman were a constant threat in the box.
The Fennecs looked to break through quick transitions, but failed to truly trouble Nigerian goalkeeper Nwabali. At halftime, everything was still to play for.
The match turned immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Osimhen rose highest to thunder home a precise Bruno Onyemaechi cross with a powerful header. GOAL!!!!
The goal, his fourth of the tournament released Nigeria and stunned Algeria. Ten minutes later, the Super Eagles struck again, ruthlessly exploiting Algeria’s weaknesses.
Osimhen, once more at the heart of it, slipped Adams in behind the defence. The forward kept his composure, rounding Luca Zidane before finishing into an empty net (57’). 2–0, game over.
Algeria attempted to respond, pushing more bodies into the final third, but lacked the sharpness and penetration to unsettle a disciplined and well-organised Nigerian defence.
Nigeria, on the other hand, managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo and closing down spaces.
Efficient, powerful, and clinical after the break, the Super Eagles march on — and enter the last four looking every bit like serious contenders.
“I scored a goal and provided an assist, but we shouldn’t focus on my personal performance; we should focus on the team effort of the national team.,” Man of the Match, Osimhen said.
“We won against a good Algerian team that has talented players. For me, I was involved in the game, reflecting on my experience in the previous Africa Cup of Nations.”
It’s not just about scoring decisive goals, but about how we influence the game and contribute to the victory—that’s what matters most in the national team. I always strive to improve myself, both mentally and physically,” he added.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria in their 16th AFCON semi final appearance will face hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the tournament.
Algeria coach, Vladimir Petković, also shared a few words about the thrilling encounter.
“I congratulate the Nigerian team, who deserved to win the match. The opponent played better than us,” he said. “We couldn’t get into the game properly; we had to stay focused.”
I don’t want to go into too many details, but Nigeria was better than us. We were missing a lot of things. We wanted to control the game, but the opponent was strong and prevented us from doing so.”
“The Nigerian team showed the individual skills they possess, and physically we were behind. We tried to come back in the second half, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted in attack.”
Our players are disappointed and devastated after the match. They performed well in this tournament. Now the competition is over, and another tournament is coming. We must keep our heads high after this exit,” he concluded.