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To Face Morocco in Semi-Finals
- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Super Eagles on Saturday defeated Algeria two goals to nothing in the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco.
Nigeria’s two goals were scored by Akor and Victor Osimen in efforts that have put them on the road to the semifinals of the competition.
In what can be described as a sweet revenge against Algeria, Nigeria outclassed the Foxes with an emphatic 2-0 victory to book a spot in the semi-finals.
Nigeria had advanced to the quarterfinals after ousting Mozambique with a 4-0 win.
The three-time African champion would face Algeria who secured a narrow 1-0 win against DR Congo.
Meanwhile, unlike Mozambique, the Super Eagles were keen to get their revenge against the Foxes who knocked them out of the tournament with Riyadh Mahrez’ late goal in 2019.
The former Manchester City striker and Algeria’s captain would at a Press Conference on Friday expressed his fear against the Super Eagles.
As expected, Nigeria lived up to fans expectations as they dominated the gameplay right from kickoff.
The Super Eagles came close to getting an early lead courtesy Calvin Bassey’s effort.
The defender was however denied the chance with goal line clearance from Algeria’s defender.
Nigeria would against another goalscoring opportunity as Sevilla forward, Akor Adams found himself in a one-on-one situation with Algeria’s goalkeeper, Lucas Zidane.
Adams’ lob shot which beat the son of legendary footballer, Zinedine Zidane, unfortunately hit the woodwork to deny Nigeria lead before halftime.
Super Eagled eventually broke the deadlock in the secondhalf when Osimhen powered home Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross in the 47th minute, his fourth goal of the tournament.
Ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, releasing Akor Adams, who rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane and finished calmly to double Nigeria’s lead.
Algeria pushed forward in response but lacked penetration, as Nigeria’s disciplined defence protected goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali with authority.
The victory sends Nigeria into their 16th AFCON semi-final, where the Super Eagles will meet hosts Morocco in Rabat.