Nigeria Advances to AFCON Semifinals After 2-0 Win Over Algeria

Nigeria Advances to Africa Cup of Nations Semifinals with 2-0 Win Over Algeria

Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal match, advancing to the semifinals and setting up a matchup against hosts Morocco. The victory came courtesy of two goals from Victor Osimhen, who scored in the second half and set up Akor Adams for his goal as well.

Osimhen’s first goal was scored on a long cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, which Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane attempted to stop but ultimately conceded an easy goal. Adams’ goal came 10 minutes later, after Osimhen unselfishly fed him the ball and he placed it into an empty net.

The match saw Nigeria dominate from the start, with Algeria struggling to create scoring chances. In the first half, a clearance by Ramy Bensebaini in the 29th minute denied Nigeria a goal, as Calvin Bassey’s free kick was misjudged by Zidane and cleared off the line. A VAR check confirmed that no goal had been awarded.

In the second half, Osimhen continued to cause problems for Algeria, setting up Adams with a clear chance in the 82nd minute. However, Adams’ left-footed effort missed the target. Nigeria’s comfortable performance was in contrast to Algeria’s listless display, which may have been due to their recent extra-time win over the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Nigeria will face Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday, while defending champions Ivory Coast play seven-time champions Egypt later on Saturday for a place against Senegal.

Source: Al Jazeera