Nigeria’s Super Eagles turned turmoil into triumph after delivering a spectacular 2–0 victory over Algeria to book their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
What was billed as a clash of equals between two unbeaten giants instead became a statement performance.
Nigeria did not just defeat Algeria; they outplayed, outthought, and overran the Desert Foxes in a quarter-final that was settled by class, composure, and ruthless execution.
Before Kickoff: Pressure, Noise, and a Point to Prove
The build-up to the match was anything but calm. Nigeria arrived in Marrakech after a turbulent week marked by unpaid bonuses, delayed travel, and reports of internal tension.
Algeria, meanwhile, came in with confidence, boasting the tournament’s best defensive record and led by captain Riyad Mahrez, the man who famously broke Nigerian hearts in the 2019 AFCON semi-final.
On paper, it was a heavyweight duel. On the pitch, it was one-way traffic.
First Half: Total Control, No Reward, Yet
From the opening whistle at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Nigeria imposed themselves with an aggressive high press and fearless attacking intent with head coach, Éric Chelle’s unchanged lineup
Nigeria dominated possession, territory, and tempo.
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7th minute: Victor Osimhen drifted to the right wing, danced past his marker and cut the ball back, only for Aïssa Mandi to sweep it out for a corner. Osimhen rose highest from the set-piece, but his header flew just over the bar.
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15th minute: Ademola Lookman burst past the Algerian backline after a perfectly weighted pass from Alex Iwobi, but goalkeeper Luka Zidane smothered the effort.
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25th minute: Osimhen was clean through again before Zidane rushed off his line to deny him.
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37th minute: Akor Adams got on the end of a lightning counter-attack but fired over with Zidane stranded.
Zidane was Algeria’s saviour, while Nigeria’s frustration grew, but their belief never wavered.
Second Half Explosion: Osimhen Breaks the Wall
Two minutes after the restart, the pressure finally told.
A sweeping move that began with Frank Onyeka breaking up play flowed through Akor Adams and Alex Iwobi before finding Bruno Onyemaechi on the left. The defender’s delivery was inch-perfect.
Victor Osimhen rose. He hung. He powered the header home.
1–0 Nigeria.
It was a striker’s goal born of teamwork, timing, and pure authority.
Seven minutes later, Osimhen nearly struck again from another Onyemaechi cross, but Zidane produced a sharp save to keep Algeria alive.
Akor Adams Redeems Himself
Algeria barely had time to regroup before Nigeria struck again.
In the 57th minute, Onyeka intercepted another Algerian move and fed Iwobi. Iwobi released Osimhen, and the reigning African Player of the Year did what leaders do, he sacrificed glory for victory.
Osimhen squared for Akor Adams, who rounded Zidane and calmly rolled the ball into the net.
2–0. Game over.
It was Adams’ second goal of the tournament, redemption for his earlier miss, and the moment Nigeria effectively sealed their place in the last four.
Algeria Neutralised: Mahrez Locked Down
Despite their dominant form coming into the game, Algeria barely threatened. They failed to register a single shot on target in the first half and struggled to cope with Nigeria’s pace, press, and positional discipline throughout the match.
Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered one of his finest performances in a Super Eagles shirt, completely neutralising Riyad Mahrez. Every dribble was checked. Every angle was closed. Nothing came easy.
At the back, Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi, Onyemaechi and Osayi-Samuel were immense, combining aggression with composure to secure another clean sheet.
Man of the Match: Victor Osimhen
Osimhen’s influence went far beyond his goal.
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1 goal
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1 assist
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Constant pressing
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Selfless movement
He was deservedly named Man of the Match, taking his tournament tally to four goals and two assists.
Head Coach Chelle’s Tactical Masterclass
Éric Chelle deserves enormous credit.
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He recognised Algeria’s reliance on controlled buildup and destroyed it with an intense high press.
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He reacted swiftly to disciplinary risks, protecting key midfielders ahead of the semi-final.
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He introduced Moses Simon late to reinforce wide areas as Algeria chased the game.
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He closed the match pragmatically, resting stars and protecting the result.
For a coach still early in his international career, Chelle showed maturity, adaptability, and calm authority.
Records Fall, History Beckons
Saturday’s victory was more than just a win.
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Nigeria reached the AFCON semi-finals for the 16th time — a tournament record.
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The Super Eagles became the highest-scoring Nigerian team ever at AFCON, with 14 goals, surpassing the legendary 2000 side.
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Nigeria became the first team to win five straight AFCON matches.
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They also became the first team to score two or more goals in at least five matches at a single AFCON.
Against Algeria, Nigeria enjoyed close to 70% possession, completely dictating the rhythm of the game.
AFCON 2025 Next Stop: Semifinal vs Host Morocco
Victory sets up a mouthwatering semi-final showdown against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, a 69,500-capacity cauldron expected to be electric.
Nigeria are now just two wins away from a fourth AFCON title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994, and 2013.
Algeria came unbeaten. Nigeria left unstoppable.
When the Super Eagles decide to fly, no chaos is loud enough, no pressure heavy enough, and no opponent strong enough to ground them.
