Nigeria Power Past Algeria to Set Up Morocco Semifinal

Super Eagles deliver statement win in Marrakesh

Nigeria produced one of the most dominant performances of the Africa Cup of Nations to sweep aside Algeria 2-0 in Marrakesh on Saturday, booking a blockbuster semifinal clash with tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday.

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored in either half as the Super Eagles made light work of one of the pre-tournament favourites, delivering a display of control, intensity and attacking quality that underlined their title credentials.

First-half dominance without reward

From the opening whistle, Nigeria asserted themselves at the Stade de Marrakesh, suffocating Algeria with relentless pressing and crisp passing. Despite controlling over 67 percent of possession in the first half, the Super Eagles went into the break level, largely due to poor finishing and desperate defending from the North Africans.

Ademola Lookman tested Luca Zidane after 22 minutes, while Bright Osayi-Samuel and Osimhen both went close from dangerous deliveries. Calvin Bassey came within inches of opening the scoring when his effort was hacked off the line by Ramy Bensebaini, prompting a VAR check.

Osimhen was repeatedly denied by last-ditch challenges, most notably from Rayan Ait-Nouri, while Adams wasted a glorious chance on 35 minutes when he lifted his effort over the bar. At halftime, the only surprise was that Nigeria had not already built a commanding lead.

Osimhen and Adams finish the job

Any lingering concerns were erased just two minutes after the restart. Bruno Onyemeachi found space on the left and delivered a pinpoint cross to the back post, where Osimhen rose superbly to head down past Zidane for his fourth goal of the tournament.

Nigeria doubled their advantage in the 57th minute following another incisive move. Alex Iwobi stole possession in midfield and produced a sublime outside-of-the-boot pass to Osimhen, who showed remarkable composure to square for Adams. The Sevilla forward rounded Zidane calmly and slotted home, capping an emotional week off the pitch.

Algeria, who had failed to register a single shot on target until late in the second half, never looked capable of responding. Despite Wilfred Ndidi limping off with injury, Nigeria remained in control and could have added a third when Adams struck the post late on.

Chasing a first AFCON title since 2013, the Super Eagles now face a mouth-watering semifinal against Morocco, with both nations sensing a golden opportunity to lift the trophy.