NIGERIA BEAT ALGERIA TO REACH AFCON SEMI-FINAL
By: Gyang Dakwo
Nigeria booked a place in the Africa Cup of Nations semi-final after a convincing 2 0 win over Algeria on Saturday night in Marrakesh.
Watched by former France star Zinedine Zidane in the stands at the Grand Stadium, the Super Eagles showed their quality after the break and earned a deserved quarter-final victory.
Victor Osimhen gave Nigeria the lead early in the second half with a powerful header, and his fourth goal of the tournament, and Akor Adams added a second to seal the win. As a result, Nigeria will now face host nation Morocco in the semi-final next week.
Algeria struggled to find its rhythm and was far below its usual level. Star player Riyad Mahrez had little impact on the game and was taken off after the hour mark.
Nigeria was the better side in the first half and controlled much of the play, but they could not turn that control into goals. Calvin Bassey came close when he got a touch on Ademola Lookman’s free kick, and although Luca Zidane deflected the ball, it was cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini.
Replays later suggested the ball may have crossed the line, and this renewed calls for goal-line technology at future AFCON tournaments.
Akor Adams also missed a clear chance to score when Alex Iwobi sent him through on goal, and Algeria survived to reach halftime level.
However, Nigeria did not wait long after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Osimhen rose highest at the back post to head Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross into the net on his 50th appearance for the national team.
Osimhen then turned provider as Nigeria doubled its lead. Iwobi started the move with a clever pass, and Osimhen squared the ball for Adams, who went around Zidane and finished into an empty net.
Nigeria had chances to score more goals as Adams hit the post from close range. The only concerns for the Super Eagles were injuries to captain Wilfred Ndidi and Bright Osayi Samuel ahead of the semifinal.
Still, it was a strong and confident performance, and Nigeria will head into their clash with Morocco full of belief.
