Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 with an emphatic 2–0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday night, producing a commanding performance that underlined their credentials as genuine title contenders.
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams proved decisive as the Super Eagles completely outplayed an Algeria side that had conceded just once in the tournament before this quarter-final.
From the opening exchanges to the final whistle, Nigeria controlled the tempo, dominated possession and created chance after chance, leaving Algeria frustrated and ultimately overwhelmed.
Nigerian dominance from the outset
The match began as a competitive arm-wrestle, with Algeria attempting to stay compact and disciplined, but Nigeria’s quality in midfield soon became apparent.
Alex Iwobi orchestrated proceedings with composure and intelligence, repeatedly finding pockets of space and linking play with purpose.
Nigeria’s early pressure nearly told when Calvin Bassey powered a header goalwards, only for Ramy Bensebaini to produce an outstanding goal-line clearance.
It was a warning sign that Algeria struggled to heed.
Statistically, Nigeria were far superior.
They finished the match with 58 per cent possession, 13 shots to Algeria’s three, and an expected goals (xG) tally close to 3.0, while Algeria failed to register a single effort on target throughout the entire contest.
Osimhen strikes as Algeria unravel
The breakthrough arrived after a catalogue of defensive errors from Algeria.
Bruno Onyemaechi delivered an excellent cross from the left, and Victor Osimhen attacked the space at the back post with conviction.
Algeria’s defensive line hesitated, Bensebaini mistimed his jump, and goalkeeper Luca Zidane failed to deal with the danger, allowing Osimhen to head home with authority.
It was a goal that reflected Nigeria’s superiority and Osimhen’s predatory instincts, calm, decisive and ruthless.
Adams seals it as Nigeria stay in control
Algeria attempted to respond after the interval but found themselves repeatedly repelled by a resolute Nigerian defence marshalled superbly by Calvin Bassey.
With questions lingering after William Troost-Ekong’s international retirement, Bassey has answered emphatically throughout the tournament, producing another assured display at the heart of the back line.
Nigeria doubled their advantage when Akor Adams showed great composure, rounding the goalkeeper before tapping into an empty net.
Though Adams later missed a gilt-edged opportunity to add a third heading against the post from close range, the damage had already been done.
Iwobi the standout performer
While Osimhen and Adams grabbed the headlines with their goals, Alex Iwobi was arguably the outstanding performer on the night.
His vision, passing range and calmness under pressure dictated the rhythm of the game, and his contribution in the build-up to Nigeria’s second goal was a moment of pure quality.
Iwobi’s performance epitomised Nigeria’s maturity and tactical discipline a team comfortable both in possession and without it.
Discipline issues and late drama
The closing stages were marred by rising tensions.
Wilfred Ndidi, otherwise influential in midfield, picked up his second yellow card of the tournament and will miss the semi-final through suspension.
Nigeria also endured a few late knocks, including cramp for Bright Osayi-Samuel, but these did little to disrupt their control.
At full time, tempers flared as Algerian players and coaching staff confronted the match officials, a disappointing end to a contest in which they were comprehensively outclassed.
Eyes now on Morocco
The victory sets up a tantalising semi-final clash against tournament hosts Morocco.
Nigeria will be wary of their profligacy in front of goal, knowing that missed chances may prove costly against stronger opposition.
However, on this evidence, the Super Eagles possess the balance, depth and quality required to go all the way.
After finishing as runners-up at AFCON 2023, Nigeria are clearly determined to take the final step this time.
If they can maintain this level of performance, few teams will relish standing in their way.
