Victor Osimhen Inspires Nigeria to AFCON Semi-Final Victory Over Algeria

Victor Osimhen scored once and provided an assist as Nigeria produced a commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, booking a last-four meeting with tournament hosts Morocco.

The Super Eagles dominated the opening period in Marrakech but were forced to wait until the early moments of the second half to make their superiority count. Osimhen broke the deadlock within two minutes of the restart, before turning provider just before the hour mark to set up Akor Adams and seal the win.

Osimhen, who was named man of the match, praised the collective effort after the final whistle.

“A big congratulations to the entire team for the performance against a very strong Algeria side,” the striker said. “I simply did my job by fighting for the team and contributing with goals or assists, but everyone deserves credit.”

Nigeria, runners-up at the previous Africa Cup of Nations two years ago, arrived in Morocco eager to atone for their failure to qualify for the upcoming World Cup. They are now firmly in contention for a fourth continental title.

Unfazed by a partisan crowd of 32,452 largely backing Algeria, Nigeria controlled proceedings, though they can expect an even more intense atmosphere when they face Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday.

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle acknowledged the challenge ahead.

“Morocco are a very good team,” Chelle said. “Being the host nation brings extra pressure. I hope it will be a great game between two strong sides and that the best team wins.”

Algeria, who defeated Nigeria on their way to lifting the AFCON title in Egypt in 2019, had enjoyed their most impressive tournament run since that triumph. Vladimir Petković’s side arrived full of confidence after an encouraging group stage and a narrow last-16 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.

However, the Algeria coach conceded his team were second best on the night.

“Nigeria deserved the victory. They were better than us,” Petković said. “At times we were like a boxer taking punches while on the ground.”

Algeria’s attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza and Mohamed Amoura were kept quiet, failing to register a single shot during a goalless first half in which Nigeria created the clearer chances.

The Super Eagles went close before the break when Ademola Lookman’s free-kick caused chaos in the area, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane missing the delivery before Ramy Bensebaini cleared Calvin Bassey’s effort off the line. Akor Adams then squandered a golden opportunity in the 37th minute, firing over when clean through on goal.

Nigeria’s pressure finally told moments after the interval. Alex Iwobi released Bruno Onyemaechi down the left, and his deep cross was met by Osimhen, who headed low past Zidane to open the scoring.

The masked Galatasaray striker, who had endured a seven-match AFCON goal drought earlier in the tournament, has now found the net in four consecutive matches.

Nigeria doubled their advantage before the hour mark. Osimhen latched on to a through ball, raced in behind the defence and selflessly squared for Adams, who rounded Zidane and finished calmly to make it 2-0. Adams later struck the post with a header as Nigeria continued to threaten, while Algeria struggled to mount a meaningful response.

The final whistle was followed by heated exchanges between the players, but Nigeria’s focus now turns to Rabat as they prepare for a high-stakes semi-final encounter.