Super Eagles Of Nigeria Humble Algeria To Book Semi-Final Clash With Morocco

The Super Eagles of Nigeria produced a commanding display today, January 10, to brush aside Algeria 2-0 and seal a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

Goals early in the second half from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams settled the quarter-final contest, as Nigeria outclassed their North African opponents.

After a cagey opening period, the breakthrough arrived just two minutes after the restart. A teasing delivery from Bruno Onyemaechi caught the Algerian defense flat-footed and left Osimhen with a beautiful header from close range.

Algeria attempted to respond but found Nigeria’s back line difficult to penetrate. The Super Eagles, well-drilled and disciplined, continued to control the tempo and doubled their advantage in the 57th minute with a move of real quality.

Osimhen turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass into the path of Akor Adams. The forward kept his nerve, sold the goalkeeper with a clever dummy and calmly lifted the ball into the net.

From that moment, the outcome felt inevitable. The Super Eagles dominated possession, created the clearer chances and looked capable of adding to their tally.

Adams came close to a second goal when his header struck the post, while Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel both tested Algeria’s defensive resolve.

Algeria, led from the touchline by Vladimir Petkovic, struggled to cope with Nigeria’s intensity and movement. Even the introduction of fresh legs, including the withdrawal of Riyad Mahrez at the hour mark, failed to change the pattern of the game.

Algeria’s attacking output told its own story, with no shots on target and an expected goals figure that reflected a frustrating evening.

Nigeria were not without concerns, as Wilfred Ndidi was forced off through injury midway through the second half, but the changes made by coach Eric Chelle did little to disrupt their rhythm.

Stanley Nwabali was rarely troubled in goal, aside from late moments where Nigeria managed the game intelligently to see out the six minutes of added time.

The statistics highlighted Nigeria’s superiority. They registered 13 shots to Algeria’s three, enjoyed nearly 60 per cent possession and created five clear-cut chances. Algeria, by contrast, were restricted to speculative efforts and spent long spells chasing shadows.

Osimhen ended the game as the man of the match. He now has four goals so far in the tournament.

With this result, the Super Eagles march into the last four of the 2025 AFCON and will now turn their attention to a mouth-watering semi-final clash against the hosts, Morocco, on Wednesday, January 14.