Osimhen, Akor send Super Eagles into AFCON 2025 Semi-finals

Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked a place in the semi-finals of the 1xBet 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a composed 2–0 victory over Algeria in their quarter-final clash at the Stade de Marrakech on Friday.

Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed the win for the Super Eagles, who were dominant for long spells and could have won by a wider margin against a subdued Algerian side.

After a cagey opening, Nigeria gradually took control of proceedings in the first half, pinning Algeria back with sustained pressure. Akor Adams missed a glorious one-on-one chance in the 37th minute after being played through by Alex Iwobi, while another Nigerian effort was dramatically cleared off the line by the Desert Foxes’ defence.

The breakthrough finally arrived moments after the restart. In the 47th minute, Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a teasing cross from the left, and Osimhen rose highest at the far post to power a glancing header past goalkeeper Luca Zidane to give Nigeria a deserved lead.

Ten minutes later, the Super Eagles doubled their advantage. Adams made amends for his earlier miss by calmly finishing to put Nigeria 2–0 up, sending the Nigerian supporters inside the stadium into wild celebrations.

Algeria attempted to respond, introducing fresh legs and pushing forward in search of a lifeline, but Nigeria remained organised at the back, with goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali largely untroubled.

Nigeria came close to extending their lead late on. In the 82nd minute, Adams rattled the post with a header after connecting with a cross from Onyemaechi, before failing to convert the rebound. Minutes later, Algeria’s Bounedjah tried his luck from distance, but his effort sailed over the bar as time continued to run out for the Desert Foxes.

With the clock winding down, Nigeria opted for game management. Head coach Eric Chelle introduced Fisayo Dele-Bashiru and Chidozie Awaziem in the 87th minute for Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, drawing applause from the crowd for the pair’s outstanding performances.

Algeria won a late corner but failed to capitalise, summing up a frustrating evening for a side that had entered the contest unbeaten in the tournament.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering semi-final showdown between Nigeria and tournament hosts Morocco, as the Super Eagles continue their impressive march at AFCON 2025.