AFCON 2025: Super Eagles suffocate Algeria, strike fear into Moroccan hearts ahead of blockbuster semi

The Super Eagles’ love affair with the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) quarter-final continued on Saturday night in Marrakech as Nigeria brushed aside Algeria 2–0 to book a place in the last four.

The West-Africans controlled territory and tempo early on, pinning Algeria back with sustained pressure but lacking the final touch before the interval. The breakthrough arrived moments after the restart. Bruno Onyemaechi swung in a teasing delivery from the left and Victor Osimhen rose above his markers, powering a header beyond the goalkeeper to give Nigeria the lead.

Algeria never truly recovered. Just before the hour mark, Nigeria struck again with a move that captured their balance and clarity. Alex Iwobi opened the defence with a perfectly weighted pass, Osimhen carried the ball through the centre, drew defenders and released Akor Adams. The striker kept his nerve, skipped past Zidane and rolled the ball home to seal the outcome.

Osimhen’s night carried personal significance too. With his goal and assist, the striker moved to within two goals of Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing Super Eagles record.

Super Eagles set up heavyweight clash with AFCON 2025 hosts Morocco

fo all the pre-match concern over the physicality of the Algerians, les Fennecs were unable to lay a glove on the Super Eagles in Marrakech, starved of possession and will as the match progressed. The outcome was a dominant win that still managed to flatter the North African side, a demonstration of the most exhilarating attack in the competition.

The reward is a semi-final date with Morocco, the host nation, in Rabat on January 14. 

Nigeria arrive as the only side to win all five of their matches at AFCON 2025, combining attacking fluency with defensive discipline.

Morocco, unbeaten themselves, have carried the tournament’s expectations on home soil, backed by full stadiums and momentum built across the group and knockout rounds. 

Nigeria’s run has featured control, patience and moments of sharp execution, but Rabat will demand another level. In the same vein, Morocco have yet to face an opponent with such attacking ferocity, and so must brace for their sternest examination of the tournament so far.