MARRAKECH, Morocco — Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored second-half goals as Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 on Saturday to advance to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals.
The Super Eagles’ victory in Marrakech sets up a highly anticipated final-four showdown against tournament hosts Morocco.
After a scoreless first half where Nigeria dominated possession but struggled to find the clinical edge—including a shot cleared off the line—the deadlock was broken just two minutes after the restart. In the 47th minute, Bruno Onyemaechi delivered a precise cross that found Osimhen, who rose highest to power a header into the net.
The lead was doubled in the 57th minute when Osimhen turned provider. The reigning African Footballer of the Year played a clever lay-off into the path of Akor Adams, who remained composed to slot the ball into an empty net.
“We knew we had to be patient after the first half,” said Nigeria manager Augustine Eguavoen. “Victor showed why he is world-class today, not just with the goal but with the way he created space for Akor to finish the job.”
Algeria, whose unbeaten run in the tournament ended with the defeat, attempted to claw their way back with a series of tactical shifts and substitutions. However, they found no way through a resolute Nigerian defense that remained disciplined until the final whistle.
“It’s a painful exit because we felt we had the momentum coming into this game,” Algeria coach Vladimir Petković said. “But you cannot give a team like Nigeria those kinds of opportunities in the box. They punished us.”
The Super Eagles now turn their attention to the semifinal against Morocco, a match widely viewed as a “final before the final” given the hosts’ form and home-field advantage.
“The job isn’t done yet,” Osimhen said after the match. “We are happy to be in the semis, but our goal is the trophy. We know the atmosphere against Morocco will be intense, but we are ready for the challenge.”
