AFCON 2025: Osimhen, Adams Score as Eagles Beat Algeria

Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-finals at the Stade de Marrakech, booking their place in the semi-finals of the tournament. The win sets up a mouth-watering clash with hosts Morocco in Rabat later this week.

The match was tight in the first half, but Nigeria broke the deadlock early in the second period when Victor Osimhen rose highest to head home from a Bruno Onyemaechi cross just minutes after the restart — his fourth goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Osimhen was at the heart of the second goal again, setting up Akor Adams, who calmly rounded Algeria’s goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting into an empty net to make it 2–0 and seal the Eagles’ victory.

Nigeria dominated possession (over 67 % before half-time) and created significantly more chances than their opponents, restricting Algeria to limited opportunities and leaving them without a shot on target in the first half. The Eagles’ control and clinical finishing proved decisive as they advance to face Morocco in the semifinals.

Editorial

In the panoramic theatre of African football, where history and aspiration intertwine, Nigeria’s quarter-final performance against Algeria was more than a result — it was an emphatic statement. This was a Super Eagles side that approached the tie not with caution, but with the confidence of well-established rhythm and collective ambition.

Victor Osimhen’s dominance was the fulcrum of that performance. His towering header early in the second half was both a physical and symbolic breakthrough a reminder that in high-stakes encounters, moments of individual ruthlessness can unlock collective triumph. But this was no solo show. Osimhen’s assist for Akor Adams’ second goal was a reminder of football’s collaborative spirit, where instincts align with opportunity and the outcome transcends mere statistics.

Algeria, traditionally a formidable foe with tactical discipline and seasoned individuals, found themselves uncharacteristically subdued. Nigeria’s tempo, intensity and strategic coherence disrupted the Desert Foxes’ rhythm, leaving them to chase shadows as the game unfolded. The Super Eagles’ control of possession and creation of chances spoke not only to technical superiority but to psychological conviction a conviction forged through rigorous preparation and collective belief.

As Nigeria now prepares to face host nation Morocco in the semifinal, the narrative broadens. This is not merely another match it is a collision of styles, histories and expectations on a stage where the margins of victory are as fine as they are momentous. In that encounter, the Super Eagles will need not just the brilliance of individuals like Osimhen and Adams, but the enduring strength of unity the very quality that carried them past Algeria.

Football at this level is a conversation between past accomplishments and future aspiration. Nigeria’s performance against Algeria was a compelling chapter in that ongoing dialogue one that resonates far beyond the final whistle.

Did You Know?

1. Osimhen’s Tournament Form Victor Osimhen’s goal against Algeria was his fourth goal of AFCON 2025, making him one of the tournament’s top scorers.
2. No Shot for Algeria Algeria did not register a single shot on target until deep into the second half, a rare occurrence for a team of their quality.
3. Historic Scoring: Nigeria are only the second team ever to score two or more goals in their first five matches at a single AFCON edition, after Egypt did so in 1974 and 2010.
4. Dominant Possession The Eagles had over 67 % possession in the quarter-final match before half-time, highlighting their control of the tie.
5. Semifinal Set With the win, Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in the semi-final a tantalising fixture between two of Africa’s most passionate footballing nations.