Nigeria’s Super Eagles have secured their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a dominant 2-0 victory over Algeria in Thursday’s quarter-final encounter.
The three-time African champions delivered a disciplined and clinical performance to eliminate one of the continent’s traditional powerhouses, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealing a deserved win.
The highly anticipated clash began with both teams showing early caution as they probed for weaknesses. However, Nigeria gradually seized control of proceedings, displaying superior organisation, sharper movement, and greater attacking intent through the middle and out wide.
From the opening exchanges, the Super Eagles pressed high and forced Algeria into hurried clearances, enjoying the better share of possession and creating clearer opportunities. Their forwards repeatedly tested the Algerian defence through quick transitions and aerial threats.
Despite Nigeria’s first-half dominance, Algeria’s compact defensive shape and last-ditch interventions kept the scoreline level at the break, with several promising Nigerian efforts either narrowly off target or blocked.
Nigeria wasted little time after the restart in converting their superiority into goals. Just minutes into the second half, Victor Osimhen rose highest in the box to head home and give the Super Eagles a deserved breakthrough.
The opening goal shifted momentum decisively in Nigeria’s favour, forcing Algeria to abandon their defensive approach in search of an equaliser. Nigeria capitalised on the increased spaces, maintaining composure and attacking with renewed confidence.
Their sustained pressure yielded a second goal when Akor Adams doubled the advantage with a clinical finish following a swift attacking move, effectively putting the tie beyond Algeria’s reach.
Algeria attempted to mount a comeback through tactical substitutions and more aggressive forward play, but Nigeria’s defence remained resolute and well-organised. The Super Eagles absorbed pressure calmly, limiting Algeria to few clear chances while remaining dangerous on the counter-attack.
As the match progressed, Nigeria managed proceedings intelligently, controlling the tempo and retaining possession to frustrate their opponents and protect their two-goal cushion until the final whistle.
The comprehensive victory underscores Nigeria’s growing confidence and tactical maturity at AFCON 2025, as the Super Eagles successfully combine attacking firepower with defensive discipline at the tournament’s business end.
Eliminating Algeria, a team that won the continental title in 2019, at the quarter-final stage sends a strong message to the remaining contenders and keeps Nigeria firmly on course for what would be their fourth African championship.
The Super Eagles will now await the outcome of the remaining quarter-finals to discover their semi-final opponents as they continue their quest for continental glory.
