Victor Osimhen inspired Nigeria to a dominant 2-0 win over Algeria in their quarterfinal tie at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament, SportPremi Reports.
The Galatasaray forward, who had dominated the headlines in the Super Eagles last match for his angry confrontation with his teammates, was the star of the show once again in Marrakech.
The 27-year-old scored the opener and assisted the second as Nigeria advanced past Algeria into the last four where they will face host nation Morocco, who defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarterfinal clash.
Algeria, meanwhile crash out of the tournament after an uninspiring display in the encounter.
First half: Super Eagles dominate, but first half end goalless
Both countries had won all of their matches so far in Morocco, but one team was certain to head home at the final whistle in Marrakech.
Nigeria started on top and began to pile pressure on the Algerian defence, as the heavyweight quarterfinal clash began.
Ademola Lookman had the first real chance of the match, but his rasping drive was saved by Luca Zidane, before Victor Osimhen was denied by a last-ditch tackle by Rayan Ait-Nouri.
The Super Eagles almost took the lead when Calvin Bassey directed a free kick from Lookman towards goal, but Bansebaini cleared the effort off the line.
With no goal line technology, the VAR ruled that the entire ball had not crossed the line, leaving the scoreline goalless.
Akor Adams then wasted a glorious chance when he blazed over after being set up by Alex Iwobi, before Bruno Onyemaechi was denied by Zidane.
The first half ended goalless as Algeria failed to get an attempt on target and had only two touches in the Super Eagles box.
Second half: Osimhen and Adams strike as Nigeria book last four spot
It took inly two minutes for Nigeria to break the deadlock in the second half and it came through their main man Osimhen.
Iwobi fed Onyemaechi, who delivered a spectacular cross for the Galatasaray striker to head home at the far post for a 1-0 lead.
It was his 35th goal for the Super Eagles as he moved to two behind Rashidi Yekini in the all-time goalscoring charts.
The lead was doubled 10 minutes later when Osimhen turned provider this time around, setting up Adams, who beat Zidane before slotting into an empty net.
Algeria then responded with a triple substitution, but still remained without a single attempt on goal in the clash.
The impressive Adams headed over from close range once more, before he had another attempt that struck the goalpost moments after.
Nigeria Players Ratings
- Nwabali – 7.6/10
Was rarely tested by the Desert Warriors but was impressive in claiming crosses and with his punch.
- Onyemaechi – 8.2/10
A solid display from the defender who excelled on both ends of the pitch and delivered a sumptuous cross for Osimhen’s opener.
- Osayi-Samuel – 7.6/10
The right-back rarely put a foot wrong and enjoyed a very impressive game.
- Bassey – 7.4/10
Unfortunate not to get his goal in the first half and repelled everything the Algerians threw forward.
- Ajayi – 7.7/10
Very solid display alongside Bassey to help Nigeria to another clean sheet.
- Ndidi – 7.1/10
Delivered a brilliant midfield display, before coming off in the second half.
- Onyeka – 7.4/10
Another tireless midfield performance from the player who has become a key part of the Super Eagles setup.
- Iwobi – 7.6/10
The playmaker had the pre-assist for both goals and was impressive overall.
- Lookman – 7.0/10
Did not get a goal contribution, but helped the attack and was a threat on the ball.
- Adams – 8.3/10
The forward scored a superb second and was a menace everytime he got the ball.
- Osimhen – 8.5/10
Scored a superb header for the first and unselfishly squared for Adams to score the second in a brilliant performance.
Man of the match
Victor Osimhen (8.5/10) – The Super Eagles striker was the star of the show in this clash, having a hand in both goals to seal their progress to the last four of the competition.
Key Stats
Ball Possession: Algeria 43% – 57% Nigeria
Total Shots: Algeria 3 – 13 Nigeria
Shots on target: Algeria 0 – 5 Nigeria
Pass Accuracy: Algeria 76% – 83% Nigeria
Corners: Algeria 2 – 4 Nigeria
What Next?
Nigeria advance to the semifinal and will now face host nation Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium on the 14th of January for a place in the final.
