Nigeria booked their place in the AFCON semi-finals with an authoritative 2-0 victory over Algeria, underlining their status as one of the tournament’s most complete sides. Goals from the Super Eagles’ feared front two ensured a professional performance that left Algeria chasing shadows for large spells of the contest.
For Kenyan football fans following AFCON closely, this result sends a clear message: Nigeria is peaking at the right time and looks every bit like a genuine title contender.
First Half: Nigeria Set the Tone
From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted control. Éric Chelle’s men dominated possession and territory, pressing aggressively and limiting Algeria to zero shots on target in the first half.
Ademola Lookman was particularly lively, cutting inside early to test Luca Zidane before almost releasing Victor Osimhen through on goal. Algeria survived another scare when Calvin Bassey’s clever finish from a set-piece was dramatically cleared off the line. By half-time, Nigeria’s superiority was undeniable, even if the scoreboard remained unchanged.
Second Half: Ruthless Finishing Seals It
The breakthrough came swiftly after the restart. A perfectly weighted delivery from Bruno Onyemaechi found Victor Osimhen, who powered home a header for his 35th international goal. It was a moment that reflected Nigeria’s sharp movement and clinical edge.
Moments later, the Super Eagles struck again. Osimhen turned provider, squaring the ball to Akor Adams, who calmly finished to double the advantage. Adams’ third goal across two knockout matches effectively ended the contest, as Algeria struggled to create any meaningful response.
Tactical Discipline and Defensive Steel
Beyond the goals, Nigeria’s structure stood out. The midfield controlled transitions, while the defence remained compact and disciplined. Algeria failed to register a single effort on target throughout the match, a statistic that highlights just how dominant Nigeria was on both sides of the ball.
For fans in Kenya who appreciate tactical efficiency, this was a textbook knockout performance—measured, aggressive, and ruthless when it mattered.
What’s Next: Morocco Awaits
Nigeria’s reward is a mouth-watering semi-final clash against Morocco, the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists. With a potential final against Senegal or Egypt/Ivory Coast looming, the Super Eagles are now just two wins away from lifting a fourth AFCON title.
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Final Word
Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria was a statement performance—controlled, confident, and clinical. With their attack firing and defence rock-solid, the Super Eagles look ready for the ultimate challenge. All eyes now turn to the semi-final, where AFCON glory edges ever closer.
