Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams struck in a dominant second-half display as Nigeria powered past Algeria 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, booking a place in the last four and setting up a high-stakes clash with tournament hosts Morocco.
The Super Eagles, runners-up at the 2023 edition in Côte d’Ivoire, were firmly in control throughout at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, dominating possession and creating a string of chances against a strangely subdued Algerian side.
The North Africans, who had conceded just once in the tournament prior to this encounter, struggled to impose themselves, with captain Riyad Mahrez — playing what he has indicated could be his final AFCON — largely anonymous before being substituted.
Nigeria threatened early, with Calvin Bassey’s effort cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini in a competitive first half. Akor Adams, the Sevilla forward in fine form, spurned a glorious opportunity eight minutes before the break, curling narrowly over the bar when clean through on Luca Zidane’s goal.
Second-half dominance seals victory
The deadlock was broken just 85 seconds into the second half. Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a deep, inviting cross from the left, and Osimhen rose powerfully to direct a header down and back across goal for his fourth goal of the finals. The Galatasaray striker’s clinical finish, reminiscent of his trademark aerial prowess, ignited the Nigerian contingent in the stands.
Ten minutes later, Nigeria doubled their lead with a sweeping team move. Osimhen turned provider, threading a precise pass to Adams, who rounded the advancing Zidane — the son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, watching from the stands — before slotting into an empty net.
Adams nearly made it three with nine minutes remaining, heading against the left-hand upright from another Osimhen cross, but the two-goal cushion proved more than enough.
Algeria, the 2019 champions, rarely threatened Stanley Nwabali’s goal, failing to register a shot on target in a frustrating afternoon that saw them pick up multiple bookings amid growing irritation.
Super Eagles eye first title since 2013
Nigeria’s victory underlined their credentials as serious contenders for a first continental title since 2013. Coach Eric Chelle’s side have now won all five matches at the tournament, scoring freely while showing greater defensive resilience in the knockouts.
The Super Eagles will face host nation Morocco in the semi-final in Rabat on Wednesday at 20.00 (GMT). Morocco, buoyed by home support after their own 2-0 quarter-final win over Cameroon, will present a stern test. But after dismantling a strong Algerian outfit, Nigeria head into the clash full of confidence, with Osimhen’s lethal edge and Adams’ emerging threat giving them genuine hope of going one better than two years ago.
