Nigeria produced a composed, streetwise performance to see off Algeria 2-0 and march into the AFCON semi-finals, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams delivering the decisive blows early in the second half, Footynaija.com reports.
It was not a flashy outing, but it was professional, organised, and ruthless when it mattered.
Here is how each Super Eagles player rated.
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Stanley Nwabali – 7.0
Did not have to make many saves, but that should not be mistaken for inactivity. Nwabali commanded his area well, took the pressure out of Algeria’s late set pieces, and slowed the game down when Nigeria needed to breathe.
Picked up a late yellow card for time management, which summed up how cleverly he managed the closing minutes.
Bright Osayi-Samuel – 7.0
Disciplined and alert all evening. He tracked runners, won several important free kicks in Nigeria’s defensive half, and stood up well to Algeria’s attempts to isolate him one-on-one. His substitution in stoppage time was purely tactical, a nod to how much ground he had covered.
Semi Ajayi – 7.3
A physical presence in the heart of defence. Ajayi attacked crosses with authority and did not allow Algeria’s forwards any clean looks inside the box. His early header from a set piece nearly broke the deadlock, flashing wide. Solid, no-nonsense performance.
Calvin Bassey – 7.7
Another statement night from Bassey. Aggressive when stepping out, strong in the air, and switched on to danger. He won a good number of defensive free kicks as Algeria tried to force the issue. There was a brief injury scare, but he shook it off and finished strongly.
Bruno Onyemaechi – 7.7
One of Nigeria’s most influential players. Supplied the cross for Osimhen’s opener, and kept Algeria pinned back with his forward runs. He tested Zidane from distance late in the first half and was constantly involved in Nigeria’s attacking patterns down the left.
Wilfred Ndidi – 6.6
Not his cleanest night, but still effective. Ndidi broke up play, screened the defence, and made sure Algeria never settled into the game through the middle. He was booked in the second half and later forced off with an injury, which slightly disrupted Nigeria’s structure.
Frank Onyeka – 7.0
Brought his usual energy. Onyeka snapped into tackles, covered huge distances, and pressed Algeria’s midfield into rushed decisions. He even popped up in the box early on with a shooting chance. Subbed off after an hour once the job was under control.
Alex Iwobi – 6.7
A creative night. Iwobi linked play intelligently and showed good awareness in transition. His pass into Adams in the first half created a decent chance, and he helped Nigeria keep possession when Algeria tried to raise the tempo.
Ademola Lookman – 7.0
Worked tirelessly, even when space was tight. Lookman tested Zidane early with a low shot, won multiple free kicks, and constantly drifted into dangerous pockets. His defensive contribution stood out, tracking back deep on several occasions before being replaced late on.
Victor Osimhen – 8.2
As expected, he led the line like a man on a mission. His opening goal came just after the break, rising highest to head home Onyemaechi’s cross from close range. But his overall play was just as impressive.
He pressed, bullied defenders, drew fouls, and then turned provider with a perfectly weighted pass for Adams’ goal. Even late on, he was still winning free kicks and running the channels.
Akor Adams – 8.0
A performance full of purpose. Adams missed one or two early chances but never hid, constantly attacking crosses and running behind. His goal in the 57th minute was classic striker’s instinct, reacting quickly on the counter and finishing cleanly from the centre of the box after Osimhen’s assist. He nearly added another with a header that crashed off the post.
Substitutes
Raphael Onyedika – 6.6
Came on for the injured Ndidi and kept things tidy. Put himself about, won duels, and helped Nigeria see out the final stretch.
Moses Simon – 6.6
Immediate impact with his direct running. His cross created a chance for Lookman, and he forced Algeria’s defence to retreat rather than push forward recklessly.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru – 6.2
Brought fresh legs and helped Nigeria close spaces in midfield. Picked up a late foul, but did his job.
Chidozie Awaziem – N/A
Introduced to reinforce the backline late on. Did not have enough time for a full rating.
Igoh Ogbu – N/A
Came on in stoppage time to protect the clean sheet.
