With a Super performance, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have clinched their ticket to the semi finals of the Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025; defeating Algeria by two (2) goals to nil (0) in the quarter final at Stade De Marrakesh on Saturday 10 January, 2026.
The Nigerians were fully and staunchly in charge of the encounter in the first half with striker, Akor Jerome Adams, curling narrowly over the bar a beautiful chance to open the scoring with eight (8) minutes remaining before the break.
But, immediately the game resumed, Galatasaray striker, Victor Osimhen, headed the West Africans in front after eighty-five (85) seconds.
The former Lille striker finely headed Bruno Onyemaechi’s deep cross from the left wing into the net; his goal number four (4) at the AFCON 2025.
Sevilla forward, Adams, then made it two for the Super Eagles in the 57th minute when he moved the ball to the left side past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane after being provided by Osimhen.
With nine (9) minutes left, Adams had another chance to add a brace for himself and a third for Nigeria, but, his heading from Osimhen’s cross hit the post.
Nigeria, who emerged runners-up in the AFCON 2023, after losing 2-1 to host nation, Ivory Coast, in the final, will now face host nation, Morocco, in the semi final of the tournament right in the 69,500 capacity Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday 14 January, 2026 at 21:00 (WAT).
While the Desert Warriors of Algeria had very strong support in the stands, the Nigerians were in full control of the showdown.
A large part of the action took place inside the half of the Algerians, with Super Eagles head coach, Eric Chelle’s boys mounting the pressure, holding possession and forcing the North Africans deep into their territory.
Fulham midfielder, Alex Iwobi, was once again very brilliant for Nigeria in the midfield, unlocking the Algerian defence with his precision passes.
Iwobi was also pivotal in the Super Eagles 4-0 whitewash of Mozambique in the second round of the tournament, with two of his passes leading to the first two (2) goals.
Nigeria’s enormous dominance, however, yielded no goal in the first half as forward, Ademola Lookman’s low shot was saved and defender, Ramy Bensebaini, cleared Fulham defender, Calvin Bassett’s volley off the line before Adams fired over with just goalie, Zidane, to beat from 18 yards.
Al Ahli right winger, Riyad Mahrez, who announced before the match that, AFCON 2025 will be his last, was not strong enough to help his country against the highly determined Super Eagles as his presence was hardly felt.
The former Manchester City player was later substituted after an hour.
Yo reach the final, Nigeria will now play harder to scale through a Moroccan side that made light work of the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon, winning 2-0, in Rabat.
Photo: Nigeria players celebrate victory over Algeria on Saturday night at Marrakesh. From Right: Victor Osimhen | Akor Adams | Ademola Lookman | Alex Iwobi – Getty Images
