Nigeria booked a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 2-0 victory over Algeria at the Grand Stadium of Marrakech, setting up a mouth-watering last-four clash against hosts Morocco.
The Super Eagles produced a disciplined and clinical performance to edge past the former champions, ending Algeria’s hopes of a deep run at the tournament and underlining Nigeria’s credentials as serious title contenders.
Nigeria struck the decisive blow in the second half after a tense and evenly contested opening period, with both sides cancelling each other out in midfield and limiting clear-cut chances.
Algeria enjoyed spells of possession but struggled to break down a well-organised Nigerian defence marshalled with authority throughout the match.
The breakthrough came when Nigeria capitalised on a moment of hesitation at the back, finishing clinically to take the lead and swing the momentum firmly in their favour.
In the 47th minute, Victor Osimhen rose highest to power home a precise cross from Onyemaechi with a commanding header. The goal — his fourth of the tournament — released Nigeria and shattered the fragile balance of the contest.
Ten minutes later, the Super Eagles struck again, ruthlessly exploiting Algeria’s defensive frailties. Osimhen, once more at the centre of the move, slipped Akor Adams in behind the defence. The forward kept his composure, rounded Luca Zidane and finished into an empty net in the 57th minute to seal a 2-0 victory.
Algeria pushed numbers forward in search of an equaliser, but the Super Eagles remained compact and composed, frustrating their opponents and threatening on the counter.
Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was called into action late on, producing a crucial save to preserve Nigeria’s advantage as Algeria threw everything forward in the closing stages.
The defeat brings an end to Algeria’s AFCON campaign, with the Desert Foxes once again left to rue missed opportunities in the knockout rounds.
Nigeria’s reward is a high-stakes semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco in Rabat, a fixture that promises intensity, quality and a charged atmosphere as two of Africa’s heavyweight nations battle for a place in the final.
The Super Eagles will take confidence from their growing momentum at the tournament, while Morocco, backed by home support and yet to concede from open play, present a formidable challenge in what is shaping up to be one of the standout matches of AFCON 2025.
