Algeria 0-2 Nigeria: Victor Osimhen delivers statement performance as Super Eagles soar into AFCON semi-final | OneFootball

Super Eagles score twice in second half to ensure controversial goal-line clearance doesn’t dominate the headlines

Nigeria are through to the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final after beating Algeria on Saturday.

Victor Osimhen opened the scoring with a fine header, taking his tally to four at AFCON 2025, before Akor Adams doubled the lead to set up a semi-final showdown with host nation Morocco next week.

Algeria, by their own high standards, were surprisingly flat from start to finish, with Riyad Mahrez virtually non-existent before being replaced on the hour mark on what is expected to be his final-ever AFCON appearance.

Nigeria were the dominant team in the first half but failed to turn that dominance into goals.

Calvin Bassey went close to breaking the deadlock after getting a touch on Ademola Lookman’s free-kick. The defender’s effort was deflected by Luca Zidane and the ball crawled towards the line before Ramy Bensebaini hacked it away.

However, replays suggested Bassey’s effort did cross the line before the clearance, strengthening calls for goal-line technology to be introduced at future AFCON tournaments.

Controversy: Calvin Bassey

AFP via Getty Images

Adams, a scorer in the 4-0 win over Mozambique, then let Algeria off the hook by missing a golden chance after being put clean through by Alexi Iwobi.

Less than two minutes into the second half, Osimhen broke the deadlock on his 50th appearance for Nigeria. The striker rose highest at the back post to head Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross into the back of the net.

Osimhen, who was criticised by his own supporters following an altercation with team-mate Lookman in the round of 16 win, then turned provider for Adams to double the lead.

The ever-impressive Iwobi started the move with a superb pass with the outside of his boot to Osimhen who unselfishly squared for Adams who took the bal around Zidane and finished into an empty net.

Nigeria had further chances to extend their lead, with Adams hitting the post from close range, but the only negative was knocks suffered to captain Wilfried Ndidi and Bright Osayi-Samuel ahead of the semi-final.