Nigeria Crush Algeria 2-0 to Storm Into AFCON Semi-Finals

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams delivered the knockout blows as Nigeria dominated Algeria to book their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals with a commanding performance in Marrakech.

The Super Eagles soared into the last four of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria, setting up a blockbuster semi-final clash against tournament hosts Morocco. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams struck in a blistering second-half display that left the Algerians chasing shadows at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Marrakech on Friday night. The West African giants controlled proceedings from start to finish, stamping their authority on a match that never truly felt in doubt once Osimhen broke the deadlock.

Nigeria emerged from the halftime break with immediate intent, and it took just 85 seconds for them to find the breakthrough their dominance deserved. The Napoli striker rose majestically to meet Bruno Onyemaechi's deep cross from the left flank, directing a powerful header down and back across goal that gave Algeria's Luca Zidane no chance.

The goal was Osimhen's fourth of the tournament, cementing his status as one of the competition's most lethal finishers and proving once again why he's considered among Africa's elite strikers. His movement, timing, and clinical finishing have been hallmarks of Nigeria's march through the knockout stages.

If Osimhen's opener settled any Nigerian nerves, Adams' strike ten minutes later slammed the door shut on any Algerian comeback hopes. The Sevilla forward showed composure beyond measure, rounding goalkeeper Zidane with ease after being expertly played through by Osimhen following a slick Nigerian attacking move that carved open the Algerian defense.

The goal showcased Nigeria's attacking fluidity and the growing understanding between their forwards. Adams' pace and movement complemented Osimhen's physical presence perfectly, creating problems the Algerians simply couldn't solve.

Nigeria's superiority wasn't confined to the scoreline alone—they controlled large portions of the match from the opening whistle. The Super Eagles dominated possession in the first half, probing for openings against an organized but ultimately overwhelmed Algerian side.

Adams had signaled Nigeria's threat even before the breakthrough, curling an effort narrowly over the bar eight minutes before halftime when presented with a golden opportunity. It was a warning Algeria failed to heed, and they paid the price after the interval.

The Sevilla man nearly completed his brace late in the match but saw his header from Osimhen's cross crash against the left-hand upright with nine minutes remaining. It would have put the cherry on top of a dominant Nigerian performance, but the two-goal margin already told the story clearly enough.

For all their pedigree and history in African football, Algeria rarely threatened to upset Nigeria's rhythm. The 2019 champions struggled to create clear-cut chances and couldn't match the Super Eagles' intensity or quality in the final third. Zidane, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, found himself beaten twice and could do little to prevent either goal.

The North Africans will head home disappointed, their tournament ending at the hands of a Nigerian side that looks increasingly dangerous with each passing match.

Nigeria's progression carries extra significance given their heartbreak at the 2023 edition, where they finished as runners-up. The Super Eagles are clearly hungry to go one better this time around, and performances like this suggest they have the quality and determination to lift the trophy.

Their defensive solidity combined with attacking firepower makes them genuine contenders, particularly with Osimhen in this kind of form. The striker has been everything Nigeria hoped for and more, leading the line with power, precision, and predatory instincts.

The reward for this impressive victory? A semi-final date with tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday at 20:00 GMT. The Atlas Lions will have passionate home support behind them, creating an electric atmosphere that will test Nigeria's mental strength as much as their football ability.

Morocco have been formidable on home soil, riding waves of crowd energy through the tournament. But Nigeria will arrive with confidence flowing after dispatching Algeria so comfortably, knowing they have the firepower to hurt any team in Africa.

The clash promises to be one of the matches of the tournament—a West African powerhouse against North African hosts, with a place in the AFCON final hanging in the balance. If Nigeria maintain this level of performance, they'll take some stopping.

For now, the Super Eagles can celebrate a job well done in Marrakech. But with their eyes firmly fixed on redemption and continental glory, the real work is only just beginning. Morocco awaits, and Africa's football world will be watching.