JAKARTA - The Nigerian national team secured a place in the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) semi-finals after defeating Algeria with a score of 2-0 in the quarter-final match at the Marrakech Stadium, Saturday, January 10.
Two goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were enough to secure the semi-final ticket.
Playing against Algeria who performed disciplined and solid, the Super Eagles showed their effectiveness and strength to lock in an important victory.
In the first half, the match was tight and tense. Algeria performed neatly with a compact midfield block so that they were able to dampen Nigeria's onslaught.
However, the trio of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman still present a constant threat in the opponent's defensive area.
On the other hand, Algeria tried to rely on a quick transition, but was not able to really test the strength of the Nigerian goalkeeper, Stanley Nwabali. The score of the glasses lasted until halftime.
The deadlock finally broke shortly after the second half began. In the 47th minute, Victor Osimhen scored the opening goal with a hard header after receiving a precise cross from Onyemaechi.
The goal became Osimhen's fourth goal in this tournament and also changed the course of the match.
Nigeria doubled the lead ten minutes later. Osimhen was again instrumental in sending a mature breakthrough pass to Akor Adams.
The attacker showed incredible composure by passing goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting the ball into the empty net in the 57th minute. The score became 2-0 and practically killed Algeria's resistance.
Behind by two goals, Algeria tried to bounce back by increasing the intensity of the attack and piling up players in the final third of the field.
However, the lack of sharpness and creativity makes their efforts always fail in the face of Nigeria's back line.
Meanwhile, Nigeria played with maturity, controlling the tempo of the match and closing the opponent's space until the long whistle was blown.
The efficient and clinical performance in the second half led Nigeria to advance steadily to the top four. This is Nigeria's 16th semifinal appearance in the history of the African Cup of Nations.
In the semi-final round, the Super Eagles are scheduled to face hosts Morocco in a crucial duel for the ticket to the 2025 African Cup of Nations final.
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