Nigeria's Super Eagles have soared into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a dominant 2-0 victory over Algeria. The match, held at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, saw Nigeria showcase their power and efficiency, particularly in the second half, to overcome a resilient Algerian side.
The first half was a tightly contested affair, with Algeria containing Nigeria's attacks through a well-organized midfield. Despite the efforts of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman, the Super Eagles couldn't find a breakthrough in the first 45 minutes. Algeria, however, struggled to trouble the Nigerian defense, failing to register a single shot on target. Several chances were created by Nigeria, including a shot cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini from Calvin Bassey.
Nigeria's dominance finally paid off early in the second half. In the 47th minute, Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a precise cross that found Victor Osimhen, who powerfully headed the ball home, marking his fourth goal of the tournament. The goal broke the deadlock and shifted the momentum firmly in Nigeria's favor.
Ten minutes later, in the 57th minute, Nigeria doubled their advantage through Akor Adams. Osimhen turned provider, slipping a clever pass to Adams, who rounded the Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane and finished into an empty net. The Super Eagles continued to control the game, managing the tempo and denying Algeria any real chance of a comeback. Algeria attempted to respond, but they lacked the sharpness to penetrate Nigeria's disciplined defense. Nigeria nearly extended their lead, with Adams hitting the post.
Victor Osimhen was named Man of the Match for his outstanding performance, scoring a goal and providing an assist. However, Osimhen emphasized the importance of the team effort, acknowledging Algeria as a talented side. Nigeria's coach, Eric Chelle, expressed his delight with the win, noting that the victory was deserved. He also acknowledged the upcoming challenge against Morocco and expressed confidence in his team's ability to compete.
With this victory, Nigeria advances to their 16th AFCON semi-final, where they will face host nation Morocco. The Super Eagles' blend of power, efficiency, and maturity makes them a serious contender for the title. The semi-final clash against Morocco promises to be a thrilling encounter, as Nigeria aims to continue their impressive run in the tournament.
