AFCON Semi-Finals
By Chris Williams
Rabat –
Strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams grabbed second-half goals as Nigeria powered to a deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final to set up a meeting with hosts Morocco in the last four.
The Super Eagles put in a commanding performance at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, outplaying the Desert Foxes to keep their hopes alive for a fourth continental title,
building on their strong run in a tournament full of surprises and passionate crowds.
Osimhen Breaks the Deadlock in a Tense First Half
The match started with both sides testing each other, but Nigeria soon took control with their quick passing and strong defence.
Algeria, who had impressed in earlier games, found it hard to create chances against a solid Super Eagles backline led by William Troost-Ekong.
The first half saw few clear opportunities, with Nigeria’s attacks often stopped by Algeria’s organised setup.
The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Victor Osimhen, the Napoli star and 2023 African Player of the Year, showed his class.
He latched onto a clever pass from Alex Iwobi, beating the offside trap to slot the ball past goalkeeper Anthony Mandrea with a cool finish.
This goal, Osimhen’s third of the tournament, lifted the Nigerian fans in the stands and set the tone for a dominant second half.
For young football lovers, Osimhen’s strike was a perfect example of staying calm under pressure, turning a tight game into Nigeria’s favour.
Adams Seals the Win with a Stunning Second
Nigeria kept pushing after the opener, with Sadio Mané-like runs from Moses Simon stretching Algeria’s defence.
The second goal arrived in the 74th minute, courtesy of Akor Adams, the Montpellier forward who has been a revelation in this AFCON.
He picked up the ball outside the box, took a touch, and unleashed a powerful left-footed shot into the top corner, leaving Mandrea with no chance.
This strike not only doubled the lead but also marked Adams’ second goal of the competition, showcasing his growing confidence on the big stage.
Algeria tried to fight back, bringing on substitutes like Baghdad Bounedjah to add firepower, but Nigeria’s midfield duo of Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka shut down any threats.
The Super Eagles controlled the tempo, creating more chances while keeping a clean sheet – their fourth in five games.
This solid team effort underlines coach José Peseiro’s tactics, blending experience with young talent to outplay a tough opponent.
Nigeria’s Impressive Tournament Run So Far
The Super Eagles have been one of the standout teams in AFCON 2025, topping their group with convincing wins over Tanzania (3-0), DR Congo (2-1), and Zambia (1-0).
In the round of 16, they edged past Benin on penalties after a 1-1 draw, showing their grit in knockout football. This quarter-final triumph marks their 16th semi-final appearance in the tournament’s history, keeping alive dreams of a first title since 2013.
Osimhen, with his goal-scoring streak, has been the star, but the team’s depth shines through with contributions from players like Lookman and Chukwueze.
For Nigerian fans back home and in the diaspora, this run brings pride and hope, especially after early exits in past editions.
The semi-final against Morocco, the hosts who beat Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final, promises a thrilling clash between two African giants, with Nigeria looking to avenge their 2022 World Cup qualifying loss.
Algeria’s Brave Campaign Ends in Defeat
The Desert Foxes, coached by Vladimir Petkovic, can hold their heads high after a solid tournament. They topped a group with Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mauritania, then beat Burkina Faso 2-1 in the last 16 with goals from Riyad Mahrez and Youcef Belaïli.
Against Nigeria, they defended well in the first half but could not match the Super Eagles’ intensity after the break.
Stars like Mahrez and Belaïli fought hard, but a lack of creativity in attack let them down.
Algeria’s exit means they miss out on a semi-final spot for the first time since 2019, but their young squad shows promise for future tournaments. For Algerian supporters, the defeat stings, but the team’s spirit offers lessons in resilience.
Broader Implications for AFCON 2025
This result sets up an exciting semi-final lineup, with Nigeria facing Morocco on one side and Egypt taking on Côte d’Ivoire on the other.
Morocco, as hosts, have impressed with their organised play and home crowd support, while Nigeria’s attacking flair could make for a classic encounter.
The tournament, held across Moroccan cities, has seen upsets like Senegal’s early exit and strong runs from underdogs, keeping fans glued to their screens.
For African football, Nigeria’s progress highlights the talent flowing from European leagues back to national teams, boosting the continent’s profile.
As the Super Eagles chase glory, their journey inspires young players in South Africa and beyond, showing how teamwork and stars like Osimhen can conquer tough opponents.
In summary, Osimhen and Adams’ goals have Nigeria dreaming big in AFCON 2025, with a semi-final against Morocco next.
This deserved win over Algeria keeps the Super Eagles’ title hopes alive, bringing joy to millions and setting the stage for more drama in Morocco.
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