Nigeria produced a commanding and composed display to defeat Algeria 2–0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, setting up a mouth-watering showdown against Morocco.
The Super Eagles were dominant from the opening whistle, playing with intensity, precision and confidence that kept Algeria pinned back for long spells. Their sharpness in possession and intelligent movement off the ball ensured they controlled the rhythm of the game.
Ademola Lookman was Nigeria’s early spark, repeatedly troubling the Algerian defence with his direct running. The Atalanta winger cut inside to fire a powerful effort that forced Luca Zidane into a sharp save, before moments later almost sending Victor Osimhen clean through on goal — only for Rayan Aït-Nouri’s perfectly timed intervention to prevent an early breakthrough.
Nigeria continued to apply pressure, and Calvin Bassey came agonisingly close when his clever finish from a rehearsed free-kick routine was dramatically cleared off the line. By half-time, Algeria had failed to register a single shot on target, a statistic that underlined Nigeria’s complete control.
The breakthrough arrived shortly after the restart, and it was fitting that Osimhen delivered it. Rising above his marker, the Napoli striker powered home a superb header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s pinpoint cross, netting his 35th international goal and giving Nigeria a deserved lead.
With Algeria now forced to chase the game, spaces opened up across the pitch, and Nigeria took full advantage. Osimhen soon turned provider, linking up with Alex Iwobi before Akor Adams calmly finished the move to double the Super Eagles’ lead and all but end the contest.
Algeria struggled to mount any meaningful response, while Nigeria remained composed and organised, comfortably seeing out the match by converting two of their three clear chances.
The Super Eagles now march into the semi-finals full of confidence and momentum, where they will face Morocco in a blockbuster clash as they continue their pursuit of a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.
