AFCON 2025: Osimhen Inspires Super Eagles to 2-0 Win Over Algeria as Nigeria March into Semi-Finals

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The Super Eagles of Nigeria produced a commanding all-round performance on Saturday night, defeating Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to book a place in the semi-finals of the continental showpiece.

Playing before a vibrant crowd at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Nigeria lived up to their status as one of the tournament favourites, combining attacking flair with defensive discipline to outclass the Desert Foxes, who had conceded just one goal prior to the encounter.
The opening half ended goalless but told a clear story of Nigerian dominance. The Super Eagles controlled possession and carved out several clear-cut chances. Ademola Lookman forced an early save from Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, while Calvin Bassey came agonisingly close after his effort was cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini. Akor Adams also missed a golden one-on-one opportunity, firing narrowly over the bar as Algeria struggled to contain Nigeria’s relentless pressure.

The breakthrough arrived almost immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Bruno Onyemaechi whipped in a precise diagonal cross from the left, and Victor Osimhen rose above the Algerian defence to head powerfully past Zidane, sending Nigerian supporters into raptures.

Nigeria continued to press and were rewarded again in the 57th minute. Osimhen turned creator this time, selflessly squaring the ball to Akor Adams, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper before finishing into an empty net. The move highlighted the Super Eagles’ fluid attacking play, with Alex Iwobi instrumental in the build-up.

Algeria pushed forward in search of a response but were completely neutralised by Nigeria’s disciplined defence. Anchored by Wilfred Ndidi, the Super Eagles’ backline held firm, restricting the North Africans to zero shots on target and sealing a deserved clean sheet.

Osimhen was named Player of the Match after registering a goal and an assist, taking his tally to four goals in the tournament and underlining his importance to the Nigerian side.

The victory marks Nigeria’s 17th AFCON semi-final appearance and sets up a mouth-watering clash against hosts Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in Rabat. With three AFCON titles already to their name and momentum firmly on their side, the Super Eagles are now firmly in contention for a historic fourth continental crown.

Nigeria’s statement win sends a clear warning to the rest of Africa: the Super Eagles mean business at AFCON 2025.