Nigeria booked a blockbuster Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco after a controlled and convincing 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals, with Victor Osimhen once again at the heart of everything good the Super Eagles produced, Soccernet.ng reports.
Algeria arrived with a flawless record at the tournament, just like Nigeria, but that perfect run was brought to an abrupt end by a Nigerian side that played with patience, power and growing authority.
Eric Chelle kept faith with the team that dismantled Mozambique in the last 16, and his players rewarded him with a performance that mixed tactical discipline with attacking threat.
Nigeria vs Algeria: How it happened
From the opening exchanges, Nigeria looked the sharper and more purposeful side, even if clear chances were initially hard to convert.
Ademola Lookman and Osimhen both went close before the break, while Alex Iwobi’s clever movement and passing repeatedly unsettled the Algerian defence.
Luca Zidane, who had not conceded a goal at the tournament before this match, was forced into several saves as Nigeria dominated territory and possession.
A first-half VAR check denied Calvin Bassey what looked like a goal, and it was something of a surprise that the game reached half-time goalless.
The breakthrough arrived early in the second half and it was fittingly delivered by Osimhen.
Bruno Onyemaechi, who had endured a mixed first half, produced a superb cross from the left, and the Galatasaray striker powered a header beyond Zidane at the far post. It was Osimhen’s 35th international goal, moving him within two of Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing Nigeria record.
That strike also ended Zidane’s clean-sheet run at the tournament, with his famous father Zinedine watching from the stands.
Nigeria sensed blood and pressed on. Just over ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, squaring the ball selflessly for Akor Adams to roll pass the goalie before tapping into an empty net and effectively settle the contest.
Chances continued to come and go, with Zidane preventing a heavier scoreline, but Nigeria never lost control. For Chelle, it marks the first time he has reached an AFCON semi-final as a coach.
Next up is a mouth-watering last-four clash with hosts Morocco, as Nigeria continue their march towards a potential fourth continental title.