By Crystal Ugoeze
Strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were on target as Nigeria produced a commanding second-half performance to defeat Algeria 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal, booking a semifinal showdown with hosts Morocco.
After a tightly contested first half at the Marrakesh Stadium, the Super Eagles broke the deadlock just two minutes after the restart. Osimhen opened the scoring in the 47th minute, steering home a long cross from the left by Bruno Onyemaechi. Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane misjudged the flight of the ball, making an awkward jump and allowing the effort to slip past him.
Nigeria doubled their advantage 10 minutes later following a well-worked attacking move between the two strikers. Osimhen turned provider in the 57th minute, laying on a precise assist for Akor Adams, who finished confidently to put the Super Eagles firmly in control.
With the match effectively decided, Nigeria managed the closing stages comfortably, limiting Algeria’s attacking threat. In the 86th minute, coach substitutions saw goalscorer Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman make way for Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Chidozie Awaziem as the Super Eagles saw out the win.
The victory continues Nigeria’s impressive scoring form at AFCON 2025, with the Super Eagles now the tournament’s top scorers, having netted 12 goals in five matches. Their campaign has included group-stage wins over Tanzania, Tunisia and Uganda, followed by a dominant 4-0 triumph over Mozambique in the round of 16.
Algeria, who came into the quarterfinal with the competition’s tightest defence after conceding just once in four games, were unable to contain Nigeria’s attacking quality after the break. The North Africans had reached the last eight after winning all their group matches and edging DR Congo 1-0 after extra time in the round of 16.
Nigeria will now turn their attention to a high-stakes semifinal clash against hosts Morocco, as they continue their push for continental glory.