The Super Eagles of Nigeria have booked their place in the semi-final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after an absolutely dominant display against the Desert Warriors of Algeria in Marrakech, Morocco, Footynaija.com reports.
Eric Chelle’s side dominated the entire opening 45 minutes, enjoying 68 per cent possession and keeping Algeria pinned back for long spells. Nigeria created the clearer chances, with Victor Osimhen heading over from close range early on and Akor Adams firing just high after being set up by Alex Iwobi.
Frank Onyeka and Ademola Lookman also went close as with center back Calvin Bassey forcing the Desert Warriors to make a goal-line clearance on the half-hour mark. Algeria struggled to gain a foothold in the game, failing to register a single shot before the break and relying heavily on fouls to disrupt Nigeria’s rhythm.
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The Super Eagles’ dominance carried on into the second half and they immediately got their reward when Bruno Onyemaechi found the head of Osimhen with a teasing cross into the box. Osimhen made no mistake as he powered his header beyond Luca Zidane in the Algerian goal-post to give Nigeria a well-deserved lead just two minutes after the restart.
The Super Eagles didn’t take their foot off the gas after going in front as they continued to dominate proceedings and it didn’t take too long for them to find that all important cushion thanks to some unselfish play from Osimhen.
After being sent through on goal, the Galatasaray opted to tee up his strike partner Adams. The Sevilla forward maintained great composure to round Zidane before slotting into an empty net. Algeria wrung in the changes after that goal, with Baghdad Bounedjah, Anis Hadj Moussa and Adil Boulbina replacing Ramiz Zerrouki, Riyad Mahrez and Ibrahim Maza respectively.
But it ultimately proved futile as the Super Eagles stayed on the front foot and saw out the win to book a mouth-watering semi-final clash against host nation Morocco.
This was easy to follow, even for someone new like me.