Victor Osimhen produced a decisive performance as Nigeria defeated Algeria 2–0 in their AFCON quarter-final on Saturday.
The victory secured Nigeria a place in the semi-finals against tournament hosts Morocco, Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) reports.
The match was played before a large and vocal crowd in Marrakesh.
Nigeria controlled most of the opening half and dictated the tempo from midfield.
Algeria were forced deep as the Super Eagles dominated possession and territorial advantage.
Despite their control, Nigeria failed to score before the halftime whistle.
Several promising attacking moves broke down in the final third.
The breakthrough arrived almost immediately after the second half began.
Osimhen rose highest to head Nigeria into the lead two minutes after the restart.
The goal reflected Nigeria’s dominance and shifted momentum firmly in their favour.
Algeria struggled to respond as Nigeria pressed with renewed confidence.
Osimhen continued to trouble defenders with his strength, movement, and intelligent positioning.
Shortly before the hour mark, he changed roles from scorer to creator.
He drew multiple defenders before releasing a perfectly timed pass.
Akor Adams collected the ball and finished calmly to double Nigeria’s advantage.
The second goal effectively ended Algeria’s hopes of a comeback.
Nigeria managed the remainder of the match with composure and tactical discipline.
The Super Eagles slowed the tempo and maintained defensive solidity.
Algeria, champions of the 2019 AFCON, failed to impose themselves throughout the contest.
Their attacking trio did not register a single attempt before halftime.
Nigeria came close to scoring earlier through a Calvin Bassey effort.
The defender’s shot was cleared off the line in a dramatic first-half moment.
Nigeria arrived at the tournament determined to redeem recent disappointments.
The team had missed qualification for the next FIFA World Cup.
They also finished runners-up at the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast.
This victory keeps Nigeria firmly in contention for a fourth continental title.
Osimhen was named Player of the Match for his influential display.
He recorded both a goal and an assist in the crucial encounter.
Attention now turns to the semi-final clash against Morocco in Rabat.
The atmosphere is expected to be even more intense against the host nation.
Nigeria will take confidence from their disciplined and mature performance against Algeria.
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