Nigeria booked their place in the semifinals of the Africa Cup of Nations with a composed and ultimately decisive victory over Algeria, delivering a second-half performance that underlined their growing authority in the tournament and setting up a mouth-watering clash against hosts Morocco.

From the opening whistle at Stade de Marrakech, the contest carried the weight of expectation. Nigeria began on the front foot, probing early through Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen, while Algeria sought to settle into their rhythm and absorb the pressure. The first few minutes were played at a frantic tempo, with both sides trading possession and testing each other’s defensive shape, though clear-cut chances were at a premium.

Nigeria’s intent was evident as early as the seventh minute when Lookman’s teasing cross found Osimhen, whose powerful header drifted wide. The Super Eagles continued to apply pressure, with Bright Osayi-Samuel and Alex Iwobi pushing forward, but Algeria’s back line, marshalled with discipline, managed to hold firm. The game soon became fragmented, punctuated by fouls and stoppages that disrupted any sustained attacking flow. Ibrahim Maza and Mohammed Amoura attempted to spark Algeria into life, but Nigeria’s defensive unit, led by Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi, remained alert.

As the first half wore on, Nigeria came close again. Iwobi slipped a clever pass into the area for Akor Adams, whose left-footed effort flew just over the bar, drawing gasps from the crowd. Ademola Lookman also threatened from set pieces, one delivery finding Bassey, but his powerful attempt failed to trouble the goalkeeper. Despite moments of promise at both ends, the opening 45 minutes ended goalless, tense and finely balanced, with neither side able to land a decisive blow.

The second half, however, belonged firmly to Nigeria. Just a minute after the restart, the breakthrough arrived. Bruno Onyemaechi surged forward with purpose and delivered a superb ball into the box. Victor Osimhen rose highest and powered a header into the net, finally breaking the deadlock and igniting celebrations among the Nigerian faithful. The goal injected belief and energy into the Super Eagles, who began to play with greater freedom and confidence.

Algeria attempted to respond, making changes to inject attacking impetus, but Nigeria smelled blood. Onyemaechi was again influential, sending in another dangerous delivery that Osimhen met with a header, only for the effort to be saved. The pressure continued to build, and in the 56th minute, Nigeria struck again. A swift counter-attack, led by Osimhen’s pace and awareness, saw the ball moved quickly into space for Akor Adams, who unleashed a thunderous shot that beat the goalkeeper and doubled Nigeria’s advantage.

At 2–0, Nigeria were firmly in control, but they did not retreat into their shell. They continued to press intelligently, managing the tempo and forcing Algeria to chase the game. Wilfred Ndidi’s injury prompted a reshuffle in midfield, with fresh legs introduced to maintain balance and intensity. Algeria, desperate to claw their way back, pushed forward and came close through Ramy Bensebaini, whose powerful strike sailed over the bar, summing up their frustrating night.

As the clock ticked down, Nigeria made further defensive adjustments, sacrificing attacking flair for solidity. The final minutes were played amid high emotion, with Algeria throwing everything forward and Nigeria standing firm. Eight minutes of added time tested the Super Eagles’ concentration, but they held their shape and composure, seeing out the match with maturity.

When the final whistle sounded after 98 minutes, it confirmed a commanding Nigerian performance. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed a deserved victory and propelled the Super Eagles into the semifinals, where they will face tournament hosts Morocco, who eliminated Cameroon in their own quarterfinal encounter.