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AFCON 2025: Super Eagles soar into semi-finals as Osimhen, Akor sink Algeria 2-0

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have reached the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a convincing 2-0 win over Algeria at the Stade de Marrakech.

The victory sets up a last-four clash against Morocco after their win against Cameroon in the quarter-final.

The Eagles came into the match after a 4-0 win over Mozambique in the Round of 16, having scored 12 goals in four games, the tournament’s highest tally.

Algeria, unbeaten before the quarter-final, had conceded only once in four matches and were known for their strong defence.

From the start, Nigeria dominated possession and pressed high, forcing Algeria to defend deep. Victor Osimhen led the attack with power and speed, supported by Ademola Lookman and Akor Adams, while Alex Iwobi controlled the midfield, linking defence and attack.

The first half saw Nigeria create several chances, with Akor missing a one-on-one opportunity and another effort cleared off the line.

Algeria remained organised at the back and tried to threaten on the counter with goalkeeper Luca Zidane keeping their side in the game.

The breakthrough came in the second half when Victor Osimhen powered home a header to put Nigeria ahead.

The Eagles continued to dominate, and Akor Adams added a second goal after an assist from Osimhen, securing a comfortable lead.

Nigeria controlled the game from midfield, with Wilfred Ndidi breaking up Algerian attacks. The full-backs and wingers stretched the defence, creating space for Osimhen and Akor.

Algeria made substitutions to try and turn the match around, but Nigeria’s defence and composure kept them in control until the final whistle.

The Super Eagles now advance to the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco. (Punch)

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Nigeria thrash Gabon 4-1 to boost World Cup hopes

Victor Osimhen scored twice as the Super Eagles sealed an emphatic 4-1 victory over the Panthers of Gabon in extra time to advance to the next playoff stage of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers on Thursday at Stade Mohammed V in Rabat, Morocco.

After a goalless first half, Akor Adams broke the deadlock early in the second half, capitalising on a player’s error to put Nigeria ahead.

Gabon, however, equalised four minutes before the end of the match, forcing the game into extra time.

Chidera Ejuke restored Nigeria’s lead with a composed finish before Osimhen extended the advantage, netting twice to put the result beyond doubt.

The Super Eagles’ solid defensive display, led by Benjamin Frederick and Calvin Bassey, ensured Gabon’s late efforts came to nothing.

The win moves Nigeria closer to securing a spot at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with the final playoff round set to determine their qualification status.

Nigeria secured a spot among the top runners-up in the African qualifiers, buoyed by a dominant 4-0 win over the Benin Republic that saw Victor Osimhen net a remarkable hat-trick.

Gabon, meanwhile, finished second in Group F behind the Ivory Coast to earn their own playoff place.

Nigeria will go on to face either Cameroon or the Democratic Republic of Congo on November 16, with the victor of that tie advancing to the inter-continental playoff for a chance at a World Cup berth. (Punch)