Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored second-half goals as Nigeria’s Super Eagles soared into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a clinical 2-0 victory over Algeria on Saturday.
The three-time champions dominated the quarter-final clash at the Marrakech Stadium, setting up a highly anticipated showdown against host nation Morocco in the last four.
After a tense, goalless first half where Nigeria struggled to convert their territorial dominance into goals, the deadlock was broken just 85 seconds after the restart. Victor Osimhen rose highest to meet Bruno Onyemaechi’s pinpoint cross, powering a header into the net for his fourth goal of the tournament.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead 10 minutes later. Akor Adams, set through by a selfless pass from Osimhen following an incisive team move, displayed great composure to round Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane and slot the ball into an empty net.
Nigeria’s backline remained resolute throughout the match, comfortably neutralizing the threat of Algerian star Riyad Mahrez. The former Manchester City winger, who confirmed this would be his final AFCON appearance, was substituted after an hour as Algeria failed to record a single shot on target.
While Algeria exits after a promising start to the tournament, Nigeria marches on to their 16th AFCON semi-final. The Super Eagles will now travel to Rabat to face the host nation on Wednesday, eyeing their fourth continental title.
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