Super Eagles beat Algeria 2–0 as Mahrez bows out of AFCON
Nigeria’s Super Eagles booked their place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2–0 victory over Algeria on Saturday, a result that also marked a painful AFCON farewell for Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez.
The Al-Ahli winger had hinted in his pre-match interview that this tournament would be his last Africa Cup of Nations appearance, and the defeat to Nigeria confirmed his exit from the competition with the Fennecs.
Victor Osimhen was the standout performer for Nigeria, scoring once and providing an assist to lead the Super Eagles to victory. The Napoli striker responded in style after facing criticism for his conduct in Nigeria’s 4–0 quarter-final win over Mozambique.
Osimhen opened the scoring in the 47th minute, rising highest to head home a precise cross from Bruno Onyemaechi. The goal was the first conceded by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane in the tournament.
The Super Eagles doubled their lead later in the second half, with Osimhen turning provider. After receiving a defence-splitting pass from Alex Iwobi, he squared the ball to Akor Adams, who calmly rounded the goalkeeper and finished into an empty net.
Nigeria defended strongly in the closing stages to seal a well-deserved win and set up a semi-final clash with tournament hosts Morocco.
The meeting with Morocco will be Nigeria’s first official tournament encounter with the North Africans since January 27, 2004, when Morocco edged a 1–0 win at the AFCON. Morocco had earlier beaten Nigeria twice at the 1976 AFCON before going on to lift the trophy, while the Super Eagles gained revenge in the 1980 AFCON semi-finals on their way to their first continental title.
Nigeria will now look to overcome their poor record against host nations in AFCON knockout matches as they prepare for a high-stakes semi-final showdown with Morocco.
