Algeria Coach Admits Nigeria Deserved Quarter-Final Win
Algeria coach Vladimir Petković has admitted his side were second best after Nigeria defeated the Desert Warriors 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final in Marrakesh.
The match was billed as a clash of two in-form teams, with Nigeria boasting the tournament’s most potent attack and Algeria the tightest defence. But the balance quickly tipped in favour of the Super Eagles, who controlled the rhythm of the game from the opening minutes.
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a powerful header from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross. Ten minutes later, he set up Akor Adams to make it 2-0 and effectively end the contest. Algeria struggled to respond, finishing the match with only three attempts on goal and unable to test Nigeria’s goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali.
Speaking after the match, Petković was candid about his team’s shortcomings. “Congratulations to Nigeria, they were better than us,” he said. “In the first half we were too scattered; in the second half it was a bit better. We were missing several things. They didn’t let us dribble. They were particularly strong and showed their quality.”
Petković refused to dwell on calls for a potential first-half penalty against Nigeria, instead focusing on the overall performance. “I don’t want to comment on the referee’s decisions because it’s pointless. If you watch what happened in the first half, you’ll understand,” he added.
Despite substitutions and attacking efforts from Baghdad Bounedjah, Anis Hadj Moussa, and Ramy Bensebaini, Algeria could not break down a disciplined Nigerian defence.
With the win, Nigeria advance to the semi-finals to face hosts Morocco next Wednesday at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. On this evidence, the Super Eagles will go into the match with confidence and belief.
