Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were on target as Nigeria produced a clinical second-half performance to defeat Algeria 2–0 and book their place in the semi-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
After a tight and cautious opening 45 minutes, the Super Eagles struck decisively after the break, showcasing their efficiency and big-game temperament against a stubborn Algerian side.
The first half was evenly balanced, with Algeria setting up in a compact shape that frustrated Nigeria’s attacking trio of Osimhen, Adams and Ademola Lookman.
While Nigeria enjoyed more possession and territorial advantage, clear-cut chances were limited, and Stanley Nwabali was rarely tested as the Fennecs relied on quick transitions that failed to produce real danger. The teams went into halftime deadlocked at 0–0.
Nigeria wasted no time turning the game in their favour after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Osimhen rose above the Algerian defence to power home a pinpoint Onyemaechi cross, heading in his fourth goal of the tournament to break the deadlock in the 47th minute.
The goal shifted the momentum completely. Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, slipping a perfectly weighted pass through for Akor Adams. The forward showed great composure to round goalkeeper Luca Zidane before calmly slotting into an empty net in the 57th minute to double Nigeria’s advantage.
Algeria attempted to respond by committing more players forward, but they struggled to find the creativity and sharpness needed to break down a well-drilled Nigerian defence. The Super Eagles, meanwhile, managed the remainder of the match with maturity, slowing the tempo and closing down spaces to see out a comfortable win.
Efficient, powerful and ruthless when it mattered most, Nigeria marched into the last four looking every bit like genuine title contenders. The Super Eagles will now face hosts Morocco in the semi-final in Rabat, marking Nigeria’s 16th AFCON semi-final appearance.
Later on Saturday night, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire face Egypt in the final quarter-final clash in Agadir.
