AFCON: Super Eagles dazzle in decisive victory over Algeria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles advanced to the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Saturday following a dominant 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech, Morocco.

Victor Osimhen headed Nigeria ahead shortly after halftime before setting up Akor Adams for a second goal ten minutes later to deal a devastating blow to Les Verts at the Stade de Marrakech. Algeria failed to attempt a shot through the opening eighty minutes as they fell to a Nigeria side that dominated in all departments.

The Super Eagles attacking trio of Osimhen, Adams and Ademola Lookman continued to dazzle on Saturday and they kept the Algerian midfield and defense under constant pressure. Only the finishing was missing in the first half for the West Africans, who came closest to scoring in the 29th minute when Algeria defender Ramy Bensebaini got back just in time to clear Calvin Bassey’s shot off the goal line.

But there was no reprieve for Luca Zidane in the 47th minute when Osimhen towered above the defense at the far post to bounce his header past the Algeria goalkeeper after getting on the end of a cross from Nigeria left back Bruno Onyemaechi.

And ten minutes later the match was effectively over when Osimhen collected a pass from Alex Iwobi in the penalty area and passed over to Adams, who dribbled around Zidane to finish into an empty net.

No response ever arrived from Algeria, who were left stunned after only conceding once through four previous matches at the tournament. The Fennecs never managed to put a shot on goal to challenge Super Eagles keeper Stanley Nwabali, who enjoyed an easy clean sheet.

Nigeria will now clash with hosts Morocco in an enticing semifinal on Wednesday in the Moroccan capital of Rabat.