AFCON 2025: How Nigeria defeated resilient Algeria

by · The Eagle Online

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 the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

For forty-five minutes, the contest remained tight and tense.

Algeria, well organised around a compact midfield block, managed to contain Nigeria’s attacks, 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.

At halftime, everything was still to play for.

The match turned immediately after the restart.

In the 47th minute, 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 and eventually emerging the Man of The Match, slipped Adams in behind the defence.

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-organised Nigerian defence.

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 marched on — and entered the last four, looking every bit like serious contenders.

Nigeria in their 16th AFCON semi final appearance will face hosts Morocco in the semi-final of the tournament.

The Atlas Lions of Morocco roared past the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon with a convincing 2-0 win on Friday evening at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat to secure a place in the semi-finals.

Goals in either half from Brahim Díaz and Ismail Saibari sealed a memorable triumph for the Atlas Lions in front of a raucous, sold-out stadium.

The victory carried extra significance.

Not only was it a vital boost in confidence, it also ended a long-standing hoodoo against Cameroon.

Morocco had never beaten the Indomitable Lions at AFCON in their previous three meetings, and this marked just their third victory over Cameroon in 13 encounters across all competitions.

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