Nigeria booked a high-stakes semi-final showdown with hosts Morocco after a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash in Marrakech on Saturday.
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams early in the second half sealed the Super Eagles’ passage into the last four, as Nigeria produced a composed and dominant display to knock out the two-time African champions.
After a goalless first half in which Nigeria controlled possession and territory, the breakthrough came just 85 seconds after the restart. Osimhen rose unmarked inside the box to head home a deep cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, scoring his fourth goal of the tournament.
Nigeria doubled their advantage 10 minutes later following a slick attacking move. Osimhen turned provider, squaring the ball for Adams, who calmly rounded Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting into an empty net.
The Super Eagles could have added to their tally, with Adams striking the post late on from another Osimhen cross, but the two-goal cushion proved more than enough as Nigeria’s defence kept Algeria at arm’s length.
Throughout the match, Nigeria dictated the tempo, pinning Algeria deep and limiting the influence of star winger Riyad Mahrez, who was substituted midway through the second half in what is expected to be his final Afcon appearance.
The result sends Nigeria into their 16th Afcon semi-final, reinforcing their status as one of the tournament’s most consistent performers. Runners-up at the last edition, the Super Eagles are now just two wins away from lifting a fourth continental title.
Next up is a daunting semi-final encounter against tournament hosts Morocco, who defeated Cameroon 2–0 in their quarter-final. The clash is scheduled for Wednesday in Rabat, where Nigeria will face a partisan home crowd as they chase another Afcon final berth.
