The Super Eagles of Nigeria have progressed to the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a 2-0 victory over Algeria at Stade de Marrakech.
In the build-up to the fixture, it was expected to be a battle to remember due to the quality in both teams. Also, Algeria had the support of the fans due to their close proximity to Morocco.
However, the Atlas Lions were not prepared for what hit them. Nigeria dominated the game from start to finish, and the two strikers did the damage after 90 minutes － Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
Nonetheless, it was a collective team effort, as they other players played important roles in securing the victory for Nigeria.
In this article, Soccernet.ng rates the performances of the players that did the damage on the night.
Super Eagles Player Ratings
Stanley Nwabali 7/10: Nwabali had yet another easy day on the job today. He hardly had anything to do because Algeria could not produce any clear opportunity.
However, the few times he was called upon, he did his job pretty well. His high claims were tidy and he dominated his box. His ball usage was also decent. But the yellow card he got for time wasting could have been avoided.
Bruno Onyemaechi 8/10: The Olympiacos star had a very good game for Nigeria. He had a tough task of marking Riyad Mahrez on the night, and he did really well. In fact, Mahrez was very ineffective and had to be hauled off.
There was never a point when he was caught out of position despite his numerous attacking forays. In fact, he dominated the entire left wing.
Of course, he provided the assist for Osimhen’s opening goal for Nigeria. It was an excellent performance from the Super Eagles star.
Calvin Bassey 7.5/10: Calvin Bassey was also brilliant at center-back for the Super Eagles. He hardly put a foot wrong.
The few occasions when the Algerians came knocking, he was solid as a rock. He used his body well to bully the Fennec Foxes’ attackers and used the ball well whenever he had possession. Most importantly, he avoided getting into the referee’s books.
Semi Ajayi 7.4/10: Coming into this tournament, there were doubts about Semi Ajayi, but he has carried himself very well so far.
Ajayi used the ball brilliantly against Algeria, he also added to Nigeria’s attack, as he was always ready to push the ball forward, and he was solid as a rock. It was a brilliant performance from the Hull City star overall.
Bright Osayi-Samuel 8/10: Osayi-Samuel had an outstanding performance for the Super Eagles. In fact, it was one of the best defensive performances from any player in AFCON 2025. In the second half, when the Algerians started gathering momentum, he was always there to stop them.
His tackles were timely, he dominated all his duels, and he even caused the yellow card to Ait Nouri.
Away from his defensive duties, Osayi-Samuel was also a willing runner in the attack, often combining well with Frank Onyeka.
Wilfred Ndidi 7.3/10: Captain Ndidi had a brilliant showing in the middle of the park. He hardly gave the Algerians any breathing space in the midfield, as he was constantly on them like a rash. Ndidi’s passing was also very good, and he used the ball well under pressure.
Solid performance from the Besiktas star.
Alex Iwobi 7.8/10: Iwobi had another great performance for the Super Eagles. In fact, he has awesome so far at AFCON 2025.
Iwobi dictated the pace of the game, he dominated the midfield with an iron hand, and his work rate was just exemplary. His brilliant passing came to the fore today again, and it was one of his line-breaking passes that led to Akor Adams’ goal for Nigeria.
Ademola Lookman 6.8/10: Lookman had a good performance for Nigeria. He did well playing behind the two strikers on the night.
The Atalanta star looked razor-sharp, and his intensity was blinding. Lookman was constantly pressing from start to finish. However, his decision-making in the final third was questionable at times.
There were times when he could have passed or attempted a shot, but he didn’t do the right thing.
Akor Adams 7.5/10: Adams had a good game for the Super Eagles. His pressing was just brilliant. He and Osimhen led the pressing from the front, and they did it very well.
Most importantly, he scored the second goal which gave Nigeria a cushion and relaxed their nerves. However, he missed two clear sitters. Nigerian fans would have been calling for his head if the team had lost the game.
Victor Osimhen 8.5/10: The Galatasaray star was undoubtedly Nigeria’s best player today. He played like he was on a mission, like he truly had something to prove.
Osimhen brought energy and intensity to the game. He hounded and chased down every ball that came out of Algeria’s area, and he communicated well with Adams.
Of course, he scored Nigeria’s opener with a beautiful header before assisting Adams for the second.
Substitutes
Raphael Onyedika 6.5/10: Onyedika replaced Ndidi in the 69th minute, and he was pretty decent. His introduction into the game gave Iwobi a bit more freedom and made things fluid in the middle of the park.
But he failed to stamp his authority on the game in the closing embers, thereby allowing Algeria to get some joy. But it was a decent 20 minutes of action from him.
Moses Simon 6.5: Simon replaced Onyeka, and he did a decent job too. He looked very lively and put in a good defensive effort to help the Super Eagles see out the victory.