AFCON 2026: Nigeria Sweeps Aside Algeria To Set Up Semi-Final Clash With Morocco‎

‎Nigeria delivered a commanding performance to secure a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, booking their place in a highly anticipated semi-final showdown against Morocco.

‎Goals from the Super Eagles’ front duo, Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, sealed a result that reflected their dominance from start to finish.

‎Fast Start From Algeria, But Nigeria Takes Control

‎Éric Chelle’s Algeria began with confidence and purpose, applying early pressure as they looked to unsettle the Nigerians.

‎Ademola Lookman tested Luca Zidane with a fierce shot after cutting inside, signalling Nigeria’s attacking intent despite Algeria’s active opening.

‎Lookman remained influential, threading a clever pass that nearly sent Osimhen through on goal only for Rayan Aït-Nouri to intervene with a perfectly timed last-ditch tackle.

‎That moment proved to be one of the few positives for Algeria in a first half that Nigeria gradually took complete control of.

‎The Super Eagles came inches from taking the lead when Calvin Bassey met a deep free-kick with a delicate close-range finish, only to see his effort cleared off the line. By the break, Nigeria had restricted Algeria to zero shots on target, illustrating their tactical discipline and defensive solidity.

‎Osimhen Breaks the Deadlock After the Restart

‎Nigeria didn’t have to wait long after the interval to find the breakthrough their first-half domination deserved. A brilliantly weighted, searching pass from Bruno Onyemaechi found Osimhen in stride, and the Napoli forward rose highest to power home a trademark header his 35th international goal.

‎The goal ignited the Super Eagles, who continued to push with confidence and attacking fluidity.

‎Akor Adams Doubles the Lead

‎Only minutes later, Nigeria doubled this advantage. This time, Osimhen turned provider, pulling the ball across the box for Akor Adams to apply a composed finish.

‎The move began with Alex Iwobi, who found Adams with a perfectly timed ball that split the Algerian lines and allowed the striker to continue his impressive AFCON run.

‎Adams’ goal marked his third strike in two knockout matches, further enhancing his reputation as one of the breakout stars of the tournament.

‎Algeria Fades Nigeria Turn Up the Control

‎While Nigeria continued to create chances converting two of their three big opportunities Algeria faded badly in the second half. The North Africans failed to register a single shot on target, unable to break Nigeria’s compact defensive structure or match their intensity in midfield.

‎The Super Eagles, meanwhile, managed the game with maturity, balancing attacking threat with defensive composure to close out a statement victory.

‎Morocco Awaits a High-Stakes Semi-Final

‎Nigeria’s triumph sets up a blockbuster semi-final against Morocco, the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finalists who dispatched Cameroon in their own quarter-final tie.

‎With both sides showing impressive form and tactical identity, the fixture promises one of the standout matches of the tournament.

‎Possible Final Rivals: Senegal, Egypt, or the Ivory Coast

‎On the opposite side of the bracket, defending champions Senegal will take on either Egypt or Ivory Coast, adding further intrigue as the competition narrows down to its strongest contenders.