The Super Eagles of Nigeria booked a place in the semi finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after a composed and convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in Saturday’s quarter final clash in Marrakech, with Akor Adams and Victor Osimhen delivering the decisive moments.
Both sides arrived at the last eight with perfect group stage records, but it was the Super Eagles who asserted themselves early. Nigeria controlled possession from the opening minutes and created the first clear openings, with Osimhen heading over from a Lookman corner in the seventh minute. Algeria’s defensive errors soon invited further pressure, and in the 22nd minute Ademola Lookman pounced on a loose free kick, cutting inside before firing straight at Luca Zidane.
Nigeria came agonisingly close to taking the lead on 28 minutes when a deep free kick found Calvin Bassey at the back post. His volley bounced across the goal line before Ramy Bensebaini reacted with a desperate clearance. A brief check confirmed the ball had not fully crossed the line. Moments later, Algeria were fortunate again as Aissa Mandi’s mistake gifted Akor Adams a clear sight of goal, but the forward blazed his effort over the bar when one on one with Zidane.
Despite the missed chances, The Super Eagles maintained control and went into the break the stronger side, with Stanley Nwabali largely untested as Algeria struggled to impose themselves.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half. Onyemaechi delivered a deep cross into the penalty area and Victor Osimhen rose superbly, hanging in the air before heading across goal and beyond Zidane to give Nigeria a deserved lead. The Super Eagles doubled their advantage in the 56th minute with a move that summed up their authority. Alex Iwobi threaded a precise pass to Osimhen, who drew the defence before selflessly squaring for Akor Adams to round the goalkeeper and finish into an empty net.
Algeria responded with a triple substitution shortly after, but the changes failed to shift the momentum. Nigeria continued to threaten and nearly added a third goal in the closing stages when Osimhen broke free down the right and delivered a cross that Adams met with a header against the post.
The final whistle confirmed a controlled and mature performance from the Super Eagles, who ended Algeria’s campaign without ever allowing the Desert Foxes to find a foothold in the contest. The result extended Nigeria’s positive record in the rivalry and sent them into the last four of the tournament.
Nigeria will now face hosts Morocco in the semi finals on Wednesday January 14, 2026, as they continue their push for continental glory.
