By Oni Ladonette Ondesa
Journalist kick442.com – Cameroon
Victor Osimhen scored one and set up another as Nigeria dispatched Algeria 2-0 to reach the AFCON semi-finals in Morocco.
The striker headed Nigeria in front two minutes after half-time before turning provider for Akor Adams’ breakaway goal on 57 minutes that settled the quarter-final tie.
Nigeria had the better of a scrappy first half without seriously testing Luca Zidane. Ademola Lookman forced a low save while Semi Ajayi headed wide from Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross, but clear chances were few.
The breakthrough came quickly after the restart. Onyemaechi’s cross from the left found Osimhen unmarked, and the striker’s header gave Zidane no chance.
Ten minutes later, Nigeria killed the game. Osimhen collected the ball in midfield and slipped Adams through on goal. The forward took one touch before finishing low past Zidane to make it 2-0.
Algeria never looked like getting back into the match. Ramy Bensebaini wasted their best chance in the 84th minute, firing well over from inside the box after Aïssa Mandi’s cross.
Riyad Mahrez was kept quiet throughout, with Wilfred Ndidi and Frank Onyeka giving him no space in the middle. When Algeria did get forward, Nigeria’s defence dealt with it comfortably.
Vladimir Petkovic made three changes on the hour mark, bringing on Baghdad Bounedjah, Redouane Berkane and Himad Abdelli. Bounedjah had a header blocked and fired one effort over the bar, but Algeria created little of note.
Nigeria should have won by more. Osimhen had a close-range header saved by Zidane nine minutes into the second half. Adams then hit the post with a header in the 81st minute with the keeper beaten.
Tempers frayed late on. Algeria had five players booked – Mohammed Amoura, Ramiz Zerrouki, Hicham Boudaoui, Anis Hadj Moussa and Rayan Aït-Nouri. Moses Simon and Stanley Nwabali went into the referee’s book for Nigeria.
Nigeria got the job done with two well-taken goals and solid defending. Calvin Bassey and Semi Ajayi handled everything Algeria threw at them, while Onyemaechi’s delivery from wide areas caused problems all night.
The Super Eagles are through to the last four and will face Morocco in the semi finals. Algeria go home, their attack blunted by a disciplined Nigerian side that took their chances when they came. With its young squad, the desert foxes will prepare for the World Cup and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations
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