Osimhen fires Nigeria past Algeria into AFCON semi-finals

Victor Osimhen scored one goal and provided another assist as Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0 in their Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, securing a semi-final clash with hosts Morocco in Rabat this Wednesday.

The Super Eagles dominated a first half in Marrakesh without finding the net, but broke through just two minutes after the restart when Osimhen headed in from Bruno Onyemaechi's deep cross. The 2023 African Player of the Year then turned provider before the hour mark, unselfishly squaring for Akor Adams to round goalkeeper Luca Zidane and double the lead—his second goal in as many games.

Nigeria, runners-up at the last AFCON in Ivory Coast, are chasing their fourth continental title after missing out on the 2026 World Cup. Despite playing before a 32,452-strong crowd almost entirely backing Algeria, the Super Eagles weren't intimidated. Algeria's star-studded attack featuring Riyad Mahrez failed to register a single shot in the first half and never recovered after falling behind.

Osimhen now has four goals in his last four AFCON matches after going seven games without scoring prior to the group stage. Nigeria remain the tournament's top scorers with 14 goals. Wednesday's semi-final in Rabat is expected to draw a far more hostile atmosphere against the host nation.

SOURCE: https://guardian.ng/sport/football/osimhen-leads-nigeria-past-algeria-into-afcon-semi-finals/