Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after delivering a dominant 2–0 win over Algeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
Algeria’s Desert Foxes, who had let in just one goal throughout the competition before the quarter-final, were overwhelmed by Nigeria’s sustained intensity and sharp finishing after the interval.
The outcome sets up an eagerly anticipated semi-final showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.
By the final whistle, Nigeria had wrapped up a deserved 2–0 victory, with both goals coming during an emphatic second-half performance. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 47th minute with a thunderous header, while Akor Adams confirmed the Super Eagles’ superiority ten minutes later with a calm right-footed strike.
Nigeria struck almost immediately after the restart when Osimhen leapt above the defence to head home a precise cross from Bruno Onyemaechi. The effort marked Osimhen’s fourth goal of the tournament and underlined his importance to Nigeria’s campaign. Soon after, the Super Eagles doubled their lead through a slick passing move that carved open the Algerian backline.
Alex Iwobi unlocked the defence with a clever outside-of-the-boot pass, Osimhen unselfishly squared the ball across the face of goal, and Akor Adams showed composure to round goalkeeper Luca Zidane before rolling the ball into an empty net.
Nigeria’s authority had been evident long before the goals arrived. In the first half, the Super Eagles dominated possession, controlled the rhythm of the game and fashioned several clear chances.
Algeria were kept alive largely by defender Ramy Bensebaini, who produced a series of vital goal-line clearances to ensure the teams went into the break level.
The North Africans struggled to gain a foothold and failed to register a single shot on target over the entire match, even after making second-half substitutions that included bringing on Baghdad Bounedjah. Nigeria, on the other hand, continued to press forward, with Adams later striking the post and other opportunities flashing narrowly wide.
Alex Iwobi dictated play impressively from midfield, while Calvin Bassey marshalled the defence with confidence and discipline. Wilfred Ndidi picked up a yellow card, which could be a concern ahead of the semi-final, but Nigeria’s backline remained resolute to close out the game. Late introductions, including Moses Simon, helped the Super Eagles manage the closing minutes with ease.
The win propels Nigeria into the last four, where they will take on hosts Morocco in what is expected to be one of the tournament’s standout fixtures. With momentum building and their attacking unit in fine form, the Super Eagles appear well placed to mount a serious challenge for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations crown.
What you should know
Nigeria’s victory over Algeria highlights the Super Eagles’ growing confidence and tactical balance at AFCON 2025.
After a measured first half, their clinical second-half display showcased both attacking efficiency and defensive solidity. Victor Osimhen’s continued goal-scoring form has been central to Nigeria’s progress, while the midfield control provided by Alex Iwobi has added creativity and structure.
The upcoming semi-final against hosts Morocco will test Nigeria’s resilience, but their performance against one of the tournament’s strongest defences suggests they remain strong contenders for the title.
