Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams were on target as Nigeria advanced to the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) with a comfortable win over Algeria.
The West Africans were firmly in control in the first half in Marrakech, with Adams spurning a glorious chance to open the scoring eight minutes before the break when he curled narrowly over the bar.
Osimhen broke the deadlock for the Super Eagles just 85 seconds into the second half, heading Bruno Onyemaechi’s deep cross from the left down and back across goal for his fourth goal at these finals.
Adams added the second 10 minutes later when he rounded Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane after being played in by Osimhen following a fine Nigeria move.
Sevilla forward Adams had a chance to make it 3-0 but headed against the left-hand upright from Osimhen’s cross with nine minutes remaining.
Nigeria, runners-up at the 2023 edition, will now face host nation Morocco in the last four in Rabat on Wednesday (20:00 GMT).
Nigeria’s attacking machine on top
The early phase of the game was shaped by two forces, with strong Algerian support in the stands contrasted with Nigeria’s control on the pitch.
Most of the game took place in Algeria’s half, with Eric Chelle’s side pressing high, keeping possession and pinning the North Africans back.
That territorial dominance did not, however, produce a goal in the first half, as Ademola Lookman had a low shot saved and Ramy Bensebaini cleared Calvin Bassey’s volley off the line before Adams blazed over from 18 yards with just Zidane to beat.
Yet Nigeria emerged with renewed purpose after the break, and Osimhen was left unmarked inside the six yard box to convert a pinpoint cross from Onyemaechi.
That goal was the first Zidane had conceded at the tournament, and he was soon called into action again to keep out another low header from Galatasaray striker Osimhen.
The Super Eagles then netted their 14th goal at this tournament when Alex Iwobi unlocked the defence and Osimhen unselfishly squared for Adams to finish with composure.
Nigeria’s back line kept the Fennecs at bay, with the influence of Riyad Mahrez – who announced on the eve of the quarter-final that this will be his last Afcon – limited before the former Manchester City winger was replaced after an hour.
Two-time winners Algeria had exited in the group stage at the past two editions, and Vladmir Petkovic’s men were not able to find a way back into the match despite winning their first four games in Morocco.
Nigeria head into their 16th Afcon semi final, and will now need to get past the hosts, who beat Cameroon 2-0 on Friday, in front of a fervent home crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium if they are to win their fourth continental title.
