Osimhen shines as Nigeria ease past Algeria into AFCON semi-finals

Goals from Nigeria’s front two helped them to a dominant 2-0 victory over Algeria, sending the Super Eagles into the semi-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to face Morocco.

It was Éric Chelle’s side who began the better of the two, imposing themselves early, as Ademola Lookman cut inside to fire a powerful effort straight at Luca Zidane.

Minutes later, Lookman nearly played Victor Osimhen through, but a brilliantly-timed challenge from Rayan Aït-Nouri denied him what looked like a surefire goal. 

Nigeria were then mere inches away from the lead as Calvin Bassey’s delicate finish from a searching free kick was cleared off the line, with all signs pointing towards a Nigerian opener as they finished the first period, having restricted Algeria to no shots on goal, highlighting their dominance. 

However, they didn’t have to wait long for a breakthrough after the interval as Osimhen netted his 35th international goal when a searching pinpoint ball from Bruno Onyemaechi allowed the striker to head his side into a deserved lead.

And it wasn’t long before the Super Eagles doubled their advantage through Akor Adams, who was set up by Osimhen’s square ball, having been brilliantly picked out by Alex Iwobi. 

Adams’ third strike in two knockout rounds helped Nigeria tighten their already strong grip on the tie, and Algeria ultimately offered little in the second period, with no efforts on target, whilst Nigeria converted two of their three big chances. 

Nigeria’s comfortable victory sees them continue their pursuit of a fourth AFCON triumph, taking on 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, who triumphed over Cameroon on Friday.

On the other side of the draw, it will be one of Senegal or Egypt/Ivory Coast who will be their potential final opponents, as the final four takes shape.