Nigeria delivered a commanding and disciplined performance to defeat Algeria 2–0 in Marrakech, booking a place in the AFCON 2025 semifinals and exposing deep structural issues in the Desert Foxes’ setup Al Jazeera Legit.ng.
Full News-Style Analysis
A Tactical Masterclass from Nigeria
Nigeria’s victory was built on intensity, structure, and superior physicality. From kickoff, the Super Eagles pressed with purpose, winning duels and forcing Algeria into rushed decisions. Their dominance was so complete that Algeria failed to register a single shot on target until the 80th minute Al Jazeera.
The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half. Bruno Onyemaechi’s deep cross found Victor Osimhen, who capitalized on a misjudged leap by goalkeeper Luca Zidane to head home the opener Al Jazeera. Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, slipping in Akor Adams, who rounded Zidane to score Nigeria’s second Al Jazeera.
Nigeria’s approach was clear: win midfield battles, isolate Algeria’s defenders, and exploit transitions. It worked flawlessly.
Where Nigeria Won It
- Midfield control: Raphael Onyedika and Alex Iwobi dictated tempo, breaking up play and launching attacks.
- Wide-area dominance: Onyemaechi and Osayi-Samuel repeatedly beat their markers, stretching Algeria’s shape.
- Physical superiority: Nigeria won most duels, especially aerially and in 50/50s.
- Clinical second-half execution: Two chances, two goals—exactly what knockout football demands.
- Defensive discipline: Algeria were restricted to speculative long-range efforts, with their first attempt arriving in the 80th minute Al Jazeera.
Sources: Al Jazeera
Where Algeria Lost It
- Lack of creativity: Riyad Mahrez was anonymous, and Algeria failed to progress the ball through midfield.
- Poor defensive organization: Both goals came from lapses—Zidane’s misjudgment and a broken defensive line.
- Ineffective pressing: Algeria’s attempts to press were easily bypassed, leaving them exposed.
- Emotional unraveling: Post-match confrontations with referees highlighted a team losing composure under pressure TheCable.
- Controversial penalty appeal: A 12th‑minute handball shout was waved away, correctly, under IFAB rules since the ball deflected off Ajayi’s thigh first Legit.ng.
