Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.

Algeria’s Desert Foxes, who had conceded just one goal throughout the tournament before the quarter-final, were undone by Nigeria’s relentless pressure and clinical second-half finishing. The result sets up a mouth-watering semi-final clash between Nigeria and tournament hosts Morocco.

Although the first half ended goalless, it was largely one-way traffic, with Nigeria dictating the tempo and asserting control. The Super Eagles’ dominance was finally rewarded two minutes after the restart when Victor Osimhen rose highest to power home a trademark header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s pinpoint cross in the 47th minute. The strike was Osimhen’s fourth of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Nigeria doubled their advantage with a beautifully executed team move. Alex Iwobi split the Algerian defence with a delightful outside-of-the-boot pass, Osimhen selflessly squared the ball across goal, and Akor Adams calmly rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting a composed right-footed finish into an empty net in the 57th minute.

Nigeria had controlled proceedings long before the goals arrived. In the first half, they enjoyed the lion’s share of possession, dictated the pace of the game, and created several clear-cut chances, with Algeria defender Ramy Bensebaini making a series of crucial goal-line clearances to keep the score level at the interval.

Algeria struggled to impose themselves and failed to register a single shot on target throughout the match, despite second-half changes that included the introduction of Baghdad Bounedjah. Nigeria, by contrast, continued to threaten, with Adams later striking the post and other efforts drifting narrowly wide.

Iwobi orchestrated play superbly from midfield, while Calvin Bassey marshalled the defence with authority. Wilfred Ndidi was shown a yellow card, a booking that could raise concerns ahead of the semi-final, but Nigeria’s defensive unit remained composed to see out the contest. Late substitutions, including Moses Simon, helped the Super Eagles manage the closing stages comfortably.

The victory sends Nigeria into the semi-finals to face hosts Morocco in what promises to be a blockbuster encounter. With their attack firing and confidence soaring, the Super Eagles appear well-positioned to push for a fourth continental title.