By Emmanuel Kwada
In a commanding display of dominance and clinical finishing, Nigeria’s Super Eagles avenged past defeats by dismantling Algeria 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
The victory propels the three-time champions into the semi-finals, where they will face tournament hosts Morocco in a highly anticipated encounter on Wednesday, January 14.
The match marked a long-awaited revenge for the Super Eagles, who had endured a difficult recent history against the Desert Foxes.
Algeria had dominated head-to-head encounters over the past decade, including a painful 2-1 semi-final win in 2019 sealed by Riyad Mahrez’s late free-kick, as well as victories in subsequent friendlies. Nigerian fans arrived hungry for payback, and the team delivered emphatically.
Despite a goalless first half where Nigeria created numerous chances; Ademola Lookman tested goalkeeper Luca Zidane early, and Akor Adams missed a golden one-on-one opportunity—the breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half.
Victor Osimhen, the Galatasaray striker in scintillating form, rose majestically to head home a pinpoint cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, beating Zidane despite the goalkeeper’s awkward attempt to intervene.
Osimhen, who had scored a brace in the 4-0 Round of 16 rout of Mozambique, turned provider for the second goal in the 57th minute. After receiving the ball in a dangerous position, he unselfishly squared it to Akor Adams, who rounded Zidane with composure and slotted into an empty net to make it 2-0.
Nigeria’s performance was total, with the Super Eagles dominating possession, pressing high, and denying Algeria a single shot on target.
The North Africans, who had conceded just once prior to this match and needed extra time to edge DR Congo in the previous round, appeared fatigued and lacked their usual spark. Mahrez, in what he announced as his final AFCON, was largely neutralized and substituted after an hour.
Coach Eric Chelle’s side showcased the depth and balance that has made them the tournament’s most entertaining team so far, topping the goal charts with 14 strikes across five matches.
Players like Lookman, Alex Iwobi, and Wilfred Ndidi provided midfield control, while the attack—led by Osimhen’s predatory instincts—proved ruthless.
This result extends Nigeria’s unbeaten run and marks their 17th semi-final appearance, underlining their status as perennial contenders.
The Super Eagles now turn their focus to the hosts Morocco, who advanced with a 2-0 win over Cameroon, setting up a blockbuster semi-final in Rabat.
In a separate quarter-final drama on the same day, defending champions Ivory Coast were eliminated in a thrilling 3-2 defeat to Egypt.
Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal for the Pharaohs, ensuring the Elephants could not defend their 2023 title.
This marks the eighth consecutive edition where the reigning champions have failed to retain the crown:
- 2010: Egypt
- 2012: Zambia
- 2013: Nigeria
- 2015: Ivory Coast
- 2017: Cameroon
- 2019: Algeria
- 2021: Senegal
- 2023: Ivory Coast
- 2025: No successful defense
With no team having successfully defended the title since Egypt’s three-peat ended in 2010, the 2025 edition continues this trend of unpredictability.
Nigeria’s statement win over Algeria sends a clear message: the Super Eagles are serious contenders for a fourth continental crown. As they prepare for the semi-final challenge against Morocco, Nigerian fans dream of glory in Rabat. Kick-off cannot come soon enough.
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