AFCON 2025: Nigeria's ruthless display dumps Algeria out to set up semis against Morocco

Nigeria delivered a commanding and authoritative performance to defeat Algeria 2–0 in a highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash at the Marrakesh Stadium on Saturday, 10 January, sealing a deserved place in the semi-finals.

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Second-half goals from star striker Victor Osimhen and Sevilla forward Akor Adams crowned a display that underlined the Super Eagles’ dominance and intent, as they booked a final-four meeting alongside Senegal and tournament hosts Morocco, who had secured their own semi-final berths on Friday, 9 January.

With a semi-final slot firmly on the line, both sides entered the contest knowing that only victory would suffice, setting the stage for a fiercely contested encounter between two continental heavyweights.

The match kicked off in a tense yet measured manner, with both sides cautiously probing in the opening exchanges.

Nigeria, however, quickly grew into the contest and began asserting their authority.

Inside six minutes, Alex Iwobi signalled Nigeria’s attacking intent when he met Ademola Lookman’s cut-back, only to send his effort sailing over the crossbar.

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The pressure continued in the 10th minute as Osimhen latched onto a perfectly weighted through ball from Lookman, but his goal-bound effort was bravely blocked by Hicham Boudaoui.

Nigeria came agonisingly close again midway through the opening quarter.

Wilfred Ndidi pounced on a loose ball inside the Algerian box and unleashed a strike that beat the goalkeeper, only for Aïssa Mandi to produce a heroic goal-line clearance.

Algeria’s first meaningful response arrived shortly after the quarter-hour mark.

Captain Riyad Mahrez danced past his marker following a clever lay-off from Mohamed El Amine Amoura, but Semi Ajayi intervened with a crucial block to deny the Desert Foxes.

The Super Eagles continued to press. In the 23rd minute, Lookman forced an easy save from Luca Zidane with a powerful drive, while Ibrahim Maza came close for Algeria moments later after beating Nigeria’s offside trap, only to be denied at the near post.

Ten minutes before the break, Nigeria thought they had finally broken the deadlock when Osimhen struck from the left flank, beating Zidane, but Ramiz Zerrouki reacted sharply to clear off the line, with the ball deemed not to have fully crossed the whitewash.

Akor Adams then squandered a golden opportunity seven minutes before halftime, attempting to lob an advancing Zidane but narrowly missing the upright.

Further chances fell Nigeria’s way through Mohamed Amoura, Frank Onyeka, and Bruno Onyemaechi, yet the teams went into the break level despite Nigeria’s overwhelming dominance.

Nigeria returned from the interval with renewed ruthlessness and wasted no time in converting dominance into goals.

Just minutes after the restart, Osimhen rose majestically to power home a thumping header from a pinpoint Bruno Onyemaechi delivery, handing the Super Eagles a thoroughly deserved lead.

Ten minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage.

A slick midfield move orchestrated by Lookman culminated in Osimhen turning provider, threading a perfect pass for Adams, who calmly rounded Luca Zidane before slotting into an empty net.

Algeria attempted to respond, with Fares Chaïbi coming close shortly after the hour mark, but Ajayi’s perfectly timed sliding tackle preserved Nigeria’s two-goal cushion.

Nigeria remained the more dangerous side.

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Lookman nearly added a third with a surging run and near-post effort, while Algeria threatened through Ramy Bensebaini, only for Calvin Bassey to deny him with a decisive intervention.

Eight minutes from time, Adams came within inches of grabbing his second of the night when his close-range effort, following a low Osimhen delivery, crashed against the post.

Despite late Algerian pressure in search of a lifeline, Nigeria remained composed and resolute to see out the contest and secure a memorable victory.

The win not only sends the Super Eagles into the semi-finals but also serves as sweet revenge for their 2–1 semi-final defeat to Algeria at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations.