The Super Eagles of Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 on Saturday to book a place in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations, setting up a clash with hosts Morocco.
Nigeria dominated the quarterfinal encounter in Marrakesh, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scoring in the second half to seal a comfortable win.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 47th minute after meeting a fine cross from Bruno Onyemeachi at the back post. The striker rose highest to head the ball past Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider as he set up Adams for Nigeria’s second goal. Alex Iwobi won possession in midfield and played a defence-splitting pass to Osimhen, who calmly squared the ball for Adams to round Zidane and finish into an empty net.
Nigeria had controlled the game long before the goals arrived, enjoying over 67 per cent possession in the first half and creating several clear chances.
Ademola Lookman tested Zidane early on, while Calvin Bassey came close in the 28th minute before Ramy Bensebaini cleared his effort off the line. Osimhen also went close on multiple occasions as Algeria struggled to cope with Nigeria’s attacking pressure.
Algeria failed to register a shot on target until late in the second half and were largely outplayed by a disciplined Nigerian side.
The Super Eagles suffered a minor setback when captain Wilfred Ndidi was forced off with an injury in the 69th minute, but they remained solid at the back and almost added a third goal when Adams hit the post late on.
Nigeria, who are chasing a fourth AFCON title and their first since 2013, will now face Morocco in the semifinals in Rabat on Wednesday.
Morocco are aiming to end a long wait for continental glory on home soil, setting the stage for a high-profile semifinal showdown.
