Nigeria produced one of their most controlled performances of the tournament to defeat Algeria 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-finals and move within two matches of a fourth continental title.
Goals in the second half from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams ended Algerian hopes and confirmed a semi-final showdown with Morocco, who overcame Cameroon in the last eight.
The Super Eagles set the tone early, pressing high and dictating the tempo against an Algeria side that struggled to establish any attacking rhythm.
Ademola Lookman was central to Nigeria’s early threat, cutting inside to test Luca Zidane before linking neatly with Osimhen as Algeria’s back line was repeatedly stretched.
Calvin Bassey Photo Credit: Justina Aniefiok
Nigeria came close to breaking the deadlock before the interval when Calvin Bassey met a set-piece delivery, only for his effort to be dramatically cleared off the line. Algeria, meanwhile, failed to register a single shot on target in the opening half.
That dominance was finally rewarded shortly after the restart. Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a precise cross from the left, and Osimhen rose above his marker to head home, taking his international tally to 35 goals.
Akor celebrating his second goal for Nigeria against Algeria. Photo Credit: AFP
Algeria were unable to respond, and Nigeria doubled their advantage with a move that encapsulated their attacking cohesion. Alex Iwobi’s incisive pass released Osimhen, who unselfishly squared for Akor Adams to finish from close range, his second goal across the knockout rounds.
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With a two-goal cushion, Nigeria managed the remainder of the contest with composure, limiting Algeria to speculative efforts and preserving their clean sheet with minimal alarm.
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The victory keeps Nigeria firmly on course in their quest for AFCON glory and sets up a highly anticipated semi-final against Morocco, as the tournament enters its decisive phase.
