The Super Eagles delivered a commanding quarter-final display against Algeria with two great goals to seal their AFCON 2025 last four spot.
Second-half strikes from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams delivered a deserved 2-0 victory, even though the scoreline understated Nigeria’s control and composure.
From kickoff, Eric Chelle’s side pressed aggressively, giving no room for the Algerians to operate with flair. The north Africans struggled to escape as Nigeria imposed rhythm and territorial dominance.
Ademola Lookman repeatedly found space down the left flank. His direct running unsettled Algeria and set the early tone. Also, Nigeria threatened first after punishing a loose Algerian free-kick. Lookman cut inside and shot low, but Luca Zidane gathered comfortably.
Soon after, Lookman released Osimhen through the right channel. However, Manchester City player Rayan Aït-Nouri intervened with a perfectly timed tackle.
Any earlier tension between Osimhen and Lookman was absent and instead, understanding and cohesion defined Nigeria’s attacking play. Set pieces also brought further danger to the Algerian defence.
Later on, Ramy Bensebaini cleared desperately on the line before VAR confirmed Algeria survived by the finest margin.The clearest opening arrived in the 37th minute. Alex Iwobi intercepted smartly and released Akor Adams in space. Adams attempted a delicate chip over Zidane but his effort drifted narrowly over.
Nigeria returned after the break with the intensity they started and ended the first half with. And interestingly, their dominance soon translated into a deserved breakthrough.
ALSO READ:
- Hosts Morocco silence Cameroon to reach AFCON 2025 semi-finalsNdiaye strike sends
- Arsenal secure Bukayo Saka’s future as England star commits to new long-term deal
- Senegal into AFCON semi-finals as Mali’s discipline costs them again
- Rampant Super Eagles humble Mozambique 4–0 to storm into AFCON 2025 quarter-finals
Olympiacos full-back Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a precise diagonal cross towards the far post which was met by a towering Osimhen who powered a header into the net.
Osimhen leads, Adams delivers as Nigeria sends warning to rivals
Nigeria’s second goal arrived through intelligence and unselfishness. As Algeria committed bodies forward, they were punished ruthlessly in transition. Alex Iwobi pounced on a loose touch and fed Osimhen who was composed enough to square for Adams. The Sevilla forward rounded Zidane and rolled into an empty net.
Algeria responded with a triple substitution. Baghdad Bounedjah, Hadj Moussa, and Adil Boulbina entered urgently.
Osimhen nearly created a third late on, again supplying Adams whose header struck the crossbar as Algeria scrambled.
Despite off-field distractions and mounting pressure, Eric Chelle’s team responded with maturity.
The Super Eagles will now face hosts Morocco on Wednesday, 14 January. Frankly, Nigeria look increasingly like contenders playing with conviction and anyone facing them next must be prepared.
Tags: Nigeria, Super Eagles, Algeria, #ALGNGA, #SoarSuperEagles, #Naija4TheWin, #LetsDoItAgain, Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, Eric Chelle.
