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In a commanding display of attacking prowess and defensive solidity, Nigeria's Super Eagles secured their place in the semifinals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 by defeating Algeria 2-0 in the quarterfinals on Saturday, January 10, 2026. The match, played at the Stade de Marrakech, saw second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams propel Nigeria to a deserved triumph, setting up a highly anticipated clash with tournament hosts Morocco in the last four.
The Super Eagles, under coach Eric Chelle, produced one of their most authoritative performances of the tournament. Dominating possession at 58% to Algeria's 42%, Nigeria registered 13 shots (5 on target) compared to Algeria's meager 3 (none troubling the goal). The Desert Foxes, coached by Vladimir Petković, struggled to create meaningful chances, offering only isolated efforts despite their pedigree as 2019 champions.
The game remained goalless at halftime, with both sides showing caution in a tightly contested first period. However, Nigeria exploded into life just two minutes after the restart. A precise, deep cross from left-back Bruno Onyemaechi found Victor Osimhen unmarked at the back post. The Galatasaray striker powered a header past Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who misjudged his leap and positioning, allowing the ball to sail into the net. The goal, Osimhen's fourth of the competition, broke the deadlock and shifted momentum firmly in Nigeria's favor.
Ten minutes later, in the 57th minute, Osimhen turned provider with a moment of unselfish brilliance. Receiving the ball in a dangerous position, he squared it perfectly for Akor Adams, who rounded Zidane with composure before slotting into an empty net. The strike showcased Nigeria's clinical finishing and Osimhen's growing influence as both scorer and creator.
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Algeria, who had improved upon their recent group-stage exits but still fell short of expectations, failed to mount a serious comeback. Their attack, led by veterans like Riyad Mahrez, lacked penetration, and defensive lapses proved costly against Nigeria's dynamic forward line.
The victory marks Nigeria's 17th appearance in the AFCON semifinals—an unmatched record in the competition. The Super Eagles, three-time champions (1980, 1994, 2013), reached the final in the previous edition before falling short. This result reinforces their status as genuine contenders for a fourth continental crown, especially given their clean sheet record and attacking output throughout the knockout stages.
Coach Eric Chelle praised his team's discipline and execution. "We controlled the game from start to finish. Victor's goal and assist were decisive, but this was a team effort," he noted post-match. Osimhen, speaking after the game, highlighted the collective spirit: "We came here to win. The team worked hard, and now we look forward to facing Morocco."
Algeria's campaign ends in the quarterfinals, a step up from their last two tournaments but still disappointing for a side with high ambitions. Petković acknowledged Nigeria's superiority: "They were better today. We didn't respond well enough."
The semifinal against hosts Morocco, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, promises to be a blockbuster encounter. Morocco, buoyed by their own quarterfinal win over Cameroon, will have home support in their quest to end a long wait for an AFCON title. Nigeria, however, arrive with momentum and confidence.
This result also comes amid Nigeria's broader football context, following their failure to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, making success at AFCON even more vital for national pride.
As celebrations continue across Nigeria, particularly in fan hotspots like Onitsha and beyond, the Super Eagles' journey continues. With Osimhen in top form and a united squad, they remain strong contenders for glory in Morocco.
