Victor Osimhen scored his fourth goal of the competition and assisted as Nigeria edged Algeria 2-0 to book a semi-final meeting with hosts Morocco in Rabat.
Against a resilient Algeria side, the Super Eagles showcased their power and efficiency to secure a 2–0 victory and book their place in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025.
For forty-five minutes, the contest remained tight and tense. Algeria, well organized around a compact midfield block, managed to contain Nigeria’s attacks, even though Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman posed a constant threat inside the box. The Fennecs looked to break through quick transitions but failed to truly trouble Nwabali in goal for Nigeria. At halftime, everything was still to play for.
The match turned immediately after the restart. In the 47th minute, Victor Osimhen rose highest to thunder home a precise Onyemaechi cross with a powerful header. The goal, his fourth of the tournament released Nigeria and shattered the fragile balance of the game.
Ten minutes later, the Super Eagles struck again, ruthlessly exploiting Algeria’s weaknesses. Osimhen, once more at the heart of it, slipped Akor Adams in behind the defense. The forward kept his composure, rounding Luca Zidane before finishing into an empty net (57’). 2–0, game over.
Algeria attempted to respond, pushing more bodies into the final third, but lacked the sharpness and penetration to unsettle a disciplined and well-organized Nigerian defense. Nigeria, on the other hand, managed the game with maturity, slowing the tempo and closing down spaces.
Efficient, powerful, and clinical after the break, the Super Eagles march on — and enter the last four looking every bit like serious contenders.
Nigeria in their 16th AFCON semi final appearance will face hosts Morocco in the semifinal of the tournament.
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