As Nigeria prepare for a blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 semi-final clash against host nation Morocco, key Super Eagles stars have spoken with confidence, clarity and conviction following their emphatic 2–0 quarter-final victory over Algeria.
From defensive steel to tactical discipline and unshakable belief, Semi Ajayi, Bright Osayi-Samuel and Fisayo Dele-Bashiru each offered revealing insights into Nigeria’s performance against Algeria and the mindset driving the team into the final four.
Semi Ajayi: “We Dominated from Start to Finish”
Super Eagles defender, Semi Ajayi says he is deeply satisfied with Nigeria’s overall display against Algeria, describing it as a complete performance anchored on focus, belief and collective understanding.
Speaking after the match, the centre-back shared that Nigeria stayed committed to their own game plan throughout the contest.
“I felt we dominated from start to finish. We only focused on ourselves and we are really happy with our results.”
Ajayi also highlighted the growing chemistry between himself and fellow central defender Calvin Bassey, a partnership that has become one of Nigeria’s strongest assets at AFCON 2025.
“We understand each other and we complement each other well.”
Semi Ajayi concluded stating that the Super Eagles are still a work in progress, despite their dominant form, as they prepare for an even tougher test against Morocco.
“There are still things we need to improve on and we will need to improve in the next game.”
Semi Ajayi Commands Nigeria’s Back-Line
Ajayi delivered one of his finest performances of the tournament against Algeria, playing the full 90 minutes and marshalling the defense with composure and strength.
He completed 43 passes, most of them progressive, with four passes into the final third, while also delivering three accurate long balls to ignite Nigeria’s transition from defence to attack.
Defensively, the Hull City defender was outstanding, recording:
Ajayi won 100 per cent of his ground duels and was equally dominant in the air, completing two aerial duels, underlining his physical and tactical importance.
His partnership with Bassey has seen the duo start together in four of Nigeria’s five AFCON matches, providing a solid foundation as the Super Eagles march confidently into the semi-finals.
Bright Osayi-Samuel: “We Want to Dominate Teams”
Full-back Bright Osayi-Samuel was equally emphatic in his assessment of Nigeria’s quarter-final performance, praising the team’s execution and intensity.
“To play well, that is what the manager wanted us to do. I think we did that.”
Osayi pointed to Nigeria’s control of the match as a major statement of intent.
“We scored two great goals and they had no shot on target. They are a team that scores a lot of goals, so it felt really good.”
Turning attention to the semi-final against Morocco, Osayi made it clear that Nigeria’s focus remains internal rather than being overawed by the hosts.
“They obviously have their strengths and we will look at that, but the focus is on ourselves.”
“We keep believing in ourselves and listening to what the manager wants us to do.”
The Fenerbahçe defender revealed how Nigeria’s aggressive approach unsettled Algeria and concluded with a statement of intent ahead of Wednesday’s clash against Morocco.
“For me, I felt Algeria were scared of us with the way we were playing.”
“That is what we want. We want to dominate games and teams, and win.”
Osayi-Samuel’s All-Round Display
Osayi-Samuel featured for the full 90 minutes and produced a tireless performance, contributing on both ends of the pitch.
His match statistics included:
His energy, defensive discipline and attacking support were crucial in keeping Algeria at bay.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru: “Mentally, We Stayed Focused on Winning”
Midfielder Fisayo Dele-Bashiru, also reflected on Nigeria’s impressive display, praising the team’s tactical intelligence and mental resilience against a dangerous Algerian side.
“It feels great. The performance was very special. Algeria are a top team, but I think we nullified most of their threats.”
“We were able to convert our chances and got the victory. Mentally, we stayed focused on winning the game.”
“The boys are experienced and we showed that,” he said.
The Lazio man highlighted Nigeria’s composure in decisive moments.
“It’s football everyone is passionate and everyone wants to win, so no problem. They are very tough opposition.”
“We know they have quality players all over the pitch and a good coach. They will also have a full stadium with their fans,” Dele-Bashiru noted.
Despite the daunting task, the Super Eagles remain confident and focused on preparation.
“Over the next few days, we will work very hard, analyse their matches and be fully ready. We are confident in our abilities and will focus on the task ahead,” he added.
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Eyes on Morocco: Respect Without Fear
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s semi-final against Morocco, Dele-Bashiru acknowledged the magnitude of the challenge, especially with the hosts enjoying home support.
“It’s football everyone is passionate and everyone wants to win, so no problem.”
“They are very tough opposition. We know they have quality players all over the pitch and a good coach.”
“They will also have a full stadium with their fans.”
The Super Eagles midfielder insisted Nigeria remain confident and methodical in their preparation amid the anticipated atmosphere expected in Rabat.
“Over the next few days, we will work very hard, analyse their matches and be fully ready.”
“We are confident in our abilities and will focus on the task ahead.”
