Super Eagles Soar: Osimhen, Adams Lift Nigeria Into AFCON 2025 Semis

Nigeria booked their place in the semi-finals of AFCON 2025 in swashbuckling style with a clinical 2–0 win over Algeria in Marrakech on Saturday evening.

Despite controlling tempo and territory in the first half, the first 45 minutes were a cagey affair as Algeria’s compact and disciplined shaped clogged midfield spaces and restricted Nigeria’s forward line of Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman.

Although clear openings were scarce, Stanley Nwabali remained largely untested in the Nigerian goal as the Algerians laboured to ignite their counterattacking plans.

The second half kicked off with gusto for the Super Eagles. In the 47th minute, Osimhen rose above his marker to thump Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross into the far corner, his fourth goal of the tournament.

Ten minutes later, Nigeria struck again in brilliant fashion. Osimhen spun away from his defender and slid a through ball into space for Akor Adams, who coolly rounded Luca Zidane and slotted into an empty net. The buildup was a flash of chemistry between two players in top form; the goal itself – poetry in motion. It was a final twist of the knife into the hearts of the Fennec Foxes.

It was Nigeria’s 14th goal of the tournament. They need three more in two matches to break the record of most goals scored by a team (Cote d’Ivoire racked 16 in 2008) in a single AFCON tournament.

Algeria pushed bodies forward, but Nigeria’s defensive unit—Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Zaidu Sanusi—shut down channels, while Alhassan Yusuf and Alex Iwobi slowed transitions and killed momentum.

Adams almost added a spectacular third but saw his header crash against the upright from another Osimhen delivery.

Algeria, two-time champions and unbeaten heading into the quarterfinals, simply never found a foothold. Riyad Mahrez—playing his final AFCON—cut a frustrated figure before being withdrawn after an hour.

Petković’s side had exited in the group stage at the last two tournaments, and despite early promise this time, the Fennecs wilted under Nigeria’s intensity.

Victor Osimhen, named Man of the Match and now just three goals away from equalling Rashidi Yekini’s all-time scoring record of 37 for Nigeria, praised the team’s performance.

“I scored and assisted, but we shouldn’t focus on personal performance—this was about the team. We beat a strong Algerian side. It’s not only about scoring goals; it’s about influencing the game. I’m always working to improve mentally and physically,” he said.

For Super Eagles Head coach Eric Chelle, the team deserved all the praise for both execution and temperament.

“I’m extremely proud. The players showed discipline and quality. We prepared for this level, and the vision is now taking shape. Morocco are strong, and the pressure will be on them at home. We will be ready,” he said.

Algeria coach Vladimir Petković acknowledged that “Nigeria deserved to win.”

“We couldn’t match their physicality or their individual quality. We tried to adjust, but they controlled key moments. We must hold our heads high,’ he added.

Nigeria enters their 16th Africa Cup of Nations semi-final, a marker of their longstanding continental pedigree. But this run feels different—sharper, more adventurous, and powered by an attack capable of scoring from any angle.

Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah scored and provided an assist as Egypt held on for a dramatic 3–2 victory over defending champions Côte d’Ivoire in the other quarter-final. The Pharaohs will now face Senegal in the semi-finals, hoping to reach yet another final and extend their record haul of seven AFCON titles.

Nigeria, runners-up in Côte d’Ivoire in 2023, are also one step away from another final. They travel to Rabat to face hosts Morocco – unbeaten, playing at home, and backed by a passionate home crowd.

And yet, with Osimhen, Adams and Lookman in brilliant form, and a back line that has conceded only four goals in five matches, the Super Eagles go to Rabat as favourites against the host.

Nigeria’s quest for a fourth AFCON title is very much alive.