Marrakech, Morocco — Nigeria’s Super Eagles on Saturday defeated Algeria’s Fennecs 2–0 to qualify for the semi-finals of the 35th Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco.
The quarter-final encounter, played at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, saw Nigeria dominate large periods of the game, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scoring in the second half.
Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luka Zidane, kept his side in the contest in the first half with several saves, denying Ademola Lookman and Osimhen as Nigeria controlled possession and created more chances.
Osimhen went close in the seventh minute, but his cut-back was cleared for a corner by Aïssa Mandi, while his header from the resulting set piece went over the bar.
Lookman was also denied in the 22nd minute after being put through by Alex Iwobi, while Adams fired over the bar late in the first half following a counter-attack.
Nigeria broke the deadlock two minutes after the restart when Osimhen headed home from a cross by Bruno Onyemaechi.
The move involved Frank Onyeka, Adams and Iwobi before Onyemaechi delivered the assist.
Zidane later saved another Osimhen header in the 54th minute, but Nigeria doubled their lead in the 57th minute through Adams.
The goal came after Onyeka won possession and passed to Iwobi, who found Osimhen.
The striker then set up Adams, who rounded the goalkeeper before scoring.
Adams nearly scored his second goal late in the game, but his diving header from Osimhen’s cross struck the post.
The victory sets up a semi-final clash between Nigeria and host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
