Nigeria delivered a commanding performance to book their place in the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, comfortably seeing off Algeria in a one-sided quarter-final encounter. Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams proved decisive as the Super Eagles outclassed their North African rivals with authority and composure.
The opening exchanges were tight and cautious, with both sides probing for weaknesses but offering little in the way of clear chances. However, the complexion of the match changed almost immediately after the interval. Just two minutes into the second half, Nigeria found the breakthrough. Bruno Onyemaechi whipped in an inviting cross that caught the Algerian defence napping, allowing Osimhen to rise unchallenged and guide a powerful header home from close range.
Stung by the setback, Algeria tried to mount a response, but Nigeria’s defensive unit remained resolute and well-organised. The Super Eagles controlled possession, dictated the pace and limited their opponents to harmless advances. Their dominance was rewarded again in the 57th minute with a goal of real finesse. Osimhen, turning creator this time, threaded a perfectly timed pass through the Algerian back line to Akor Adams. Showing great composure, Adams deceived the onrushing goalkeeper with a clever feint before delicately lifting the ball into the net.
At 2–0, the contest began to feel beyond Algeria’s reach. Nigeria continued to press forward with confidence, creating the better opportunities and threatening to extend their lead. Adams went close to scoring again when his header crashed against the post, while Alex Iwobi and Bright Osayi-Samuel both forced the Algerian defence into last-ditch interventions.
From the sidelines, Algerian coach Vladimir Petkovic made several changes in an attempt to alter the flow of the game, including withdrawing star man Riyad Mahrez shortly after the hour mark. However, the substitutions failed to make any meaningful impact. Algeria struggled to match Nigeria’s intensity, movement and cohesion, finishing the match without a single shot on target—an indication of how effectively the Super Eagles neutralised their attack.
Nigeria did suffer a minor setback when midfield anchor Wilfred Ndidi was forced off with an injury midway through the second half. Nevertheless, the adjustments made by coach Eric Chelle did not disrupt the team’s balance or control. Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali enjoyed a largely quiet evening, as Nigeria managed the closing stages with maturity and saw out the six minutes of stoppage time without alarm.
The match statistics further highlighted Nigeria’s dominance. The Super Eagles recorded 13 shots compared to Algeria’s three, controlled close to 60 per cent of possession and fashioned five clear scoring opportunities. Algeria, by contrast, were reduced to speculative efforts and spent much of the game chasing the ball.
With this impressive victory, Nigeria advance confidently into the last four of the tournament. Attention now turns to an enticing semi-final showdown against Morocco, as the Super Eagles continue their quest for continental glory.
0 Comments