Victor Osimhen scores and assists as Nigeria defeat Algeria 2-0 to set up an Africa Cup of Nations semi-final against hosts Morocco in Rabat
VICTOR Osimhen scored one goal and set up another as Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0 to reach the Africa Cup of Nations semi-finals.
The Super Eagles will now face tournament hosts Morocco in Rabat on Wednesday for a place in the final.
Nigeria dominated the first half in Marrakesh but failed to score before getting the breakthrough within two minutes of the restart.
Osimhen headed in a deep cross from Bruno Onyemaechi to give his side the lead.
The 2023 African Player of the Year then turned provider just before the hour mark, setting up Akor Adams for the second goal.
“A very big congratulations to the whole team for the kind of performance they put in against a very good Algeria team,” said Osimhen after collecting the man-of-the-match trophy.
“For me I just did my job. I tried to fight for the team and to get goals or assists, but the whole squad deserves praise.”
Runners-up at the last AFCON, Nigeria are now dreaming of winning a fourth continental title in Morocco.
They were not intimidated by a Marrakesh crowd of 32,452 which was almost entirely supporting Algeria.
“Morocco are a great side. It’s not easy when you are host country because there is a lot of pressure,” Nigeria coach Eric Chelle said.
Algeria, the 2019 champions, had impressed in the group stage and edged out DR Congo in the last 16.
Coach Vladimir Petkovic accepted his team was well beaten, saying they were at times “like a boxer taking punches while on the ground”.
“Nigeria deservedly won the game. They were better than us,” added the former Switzerland manager.
Algeria’s formidable front three failed to muster a single shot in the goalless first half.
Nigeria almost scored just before the half-hour mark when Calvin Bassey’s effort was hooked off the line by Ramy Bensebaini.
Akor Adams also missed a clear chance in the 37th minute, blasting his shot over the bar when clean through.
Osimhen’s opener was his fourth goal in his last four AFCON matches after a previous seven-game drought.
Adams made it 2-0 after being set up by an unselfish Osimhen, scoring his second goal in as many games.
Nigeria are the tournament’s top scorers with 14 goals in total.
Tensions spilled over between the teams on the pitch at full-time, but Nigeria’s focus now shifts to Rabat.
