Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen was awarded the TotalEnergies Man of the Match prize after producing a decisive display in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The forward played a central role in both goals, scoring once and providing an assist as Nigeria delivered a composed and dominant performance to book a place in the semi-finals.
After Nigeria failed to convert a number of chances in the first half, Osimhen made the breakthrough just two minutes after the interval.
He timed his run perfectly to connect with a pinpoint cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, heading past goalkeeper Luca Zidane to give the Super Eagles a deserved lead.
Super Eagles celebrating. Photo Credit: AFP
Osimhen then turned provider ten minutes later, showing composure and awareness inside the penalty area. Latching onto a defence-splitting pass from Alex Iwobi, he squared the ball for Akor Adams, who rounded Zidane before finishing into an empty net.
The goal and assist took Osimhen’s tally at the tournament to four goals and two assists, placing him second overall for goal involvements. Only teammate Ademola Lookman has been directly involved in more goals, with seven contributions so far.
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Osimhen’s all-round influence, work rate and leadership were key factors in Nigeria’s control of the contest, as Algeria failed to register a shot on target over the course of the match.
Osimhen celebrating his first goal for Nigeria against Algeria. Photo Credit: AFP
Nigeria will face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals on Wednesday, January 14, at the Prince Moulay Abdallah Stadium, with Osimhen and Lookman expected to once again spearhead the Super Eagles’ challenge.
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Morocco reached the last four following a 2-0 victory over Cameroon, with Brahim Diaz opening the scoring before Saibari sealed the win in the second half.
