Nigeria’s Super Eagles delivered a composed and clinical second-half performance to defeat Algeria 2–0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The quarter-final encounter was tightly contested in the first half, with Algeria’s compact midfield structure frustrating Nigeria’s attacking threats. Despite the presence of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman, clear-cut chances were limited, while the Fennecs struggled to test Nigerian goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali. The teams went into the break deadlocked after a tense opening 45 minutes.
Nigeria broke the stalemate immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Victor Osimhen rose above the Algerian defence to head home a pinpoint cross from Onyemaechi, registering his fourth goal of the tournament and shifting the momentum firmly in Nigeria’s favour.
The Super Eagles doubled their advantage ten minutes later. Osimhen again proved influential, threading a well-timed pass to Akor Adams, who calmly rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting into an empty net in the 57th minute.
Algeria pushed forward in search of a response, committing more players into attack, but lacked the cutting edge to breach Nigeria’s disciplined backline. The Super Eagles managed the remainder of the match with authority, controlling possession and closing down spaces to see out the victory.
The result sends Nigeria into their 16th AFCON semi-final appearance, where they will face tournament hosts Morocco, as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory.
