![Victor Osimhen scores Nigeria's first goal [Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters]](https://independentnews.co.sz/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/reuters_69629791-1768069009.webp)
Nigeria booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi finals after a 2 0 win over Algeria on Saturday night, setting up a clash with hosts Morocco.
The quarter final was played at the Stade de Marrakech, where Victor Osimhen delivered a decisive performance by scoring once and creating the second goal as the Super Eagles advanced to the last four of the continental showpiece.
Nigeria controlled large spells of the first half but went into the break goalless despite creating clearer chances. The breakthrough came just two minutes after the restart when Alex Iwobi picked out Bruno Onyemaechi on the left flank and his deep cross found Osimhen, who nodded a low header into the net.
The 2023 African Player of the Year later turned provider just before the hour mark. Released behind the Algerian defence, Osimhen squared the ball for Akor Adams, who rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane before finishing to double Nigeria’s lead and effectively settle the contest.
Algeria, who had beaten Nigeria on their way to winning the 2019 AFCON title in Egypt, struggled to cope with the Super Eagles’ intensity. Despite fielding an attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza and Mohamed Amoura, Vladimir Petkovic’s side failed to register a single shot in the first half and rarely threatened a comeback.
Nigeria could have taken the lead earlier when Ademola Lookman’s free kick caused confusion in the Algerian box and Calvin Bassey directed the ball goalwards, only for Ramy Bensebaini to clear it off the line. Adams also missed a clear chance late in the first half when he fired over from close range.
Osimhen’s goal continued his strong run of form at the tournament. After going seven AFCON matches without scoring, the Galatasaray striker now has four goals in his last four appearances. Nigeria also moved clear as the competition’s top scoring side with 14 goals overall.
The match was watched by a crowd of 32 452, largely backing Algeria, against the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains. Tempers flared briefly at full time, but Nigeria now turn their attention to Rabat, where they will face Morocco on Wednesday as they chase a fourth AFCON title, two years after finishing runners up in Ivory Coast.
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