Osimhen Guides Nigeria to Victory Over Algeria in AFCON Quarter-Final
Victor Osimhen netted a goal and assisted another to help Nigeria secure a 2-0 win against Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on Saturday, earning them a semi-final clash with hosts Morocco.
Nigeria controlled the opening period in Marrakesh but failed to break the deadlock, before Osimhen struck early in the second half with a header.
The 2023 African footballer of the year subsequently created the next goal shortly before the hour, paving the way for Akor Adams to extend the Super Eagles lead and seal the result.
"Huge congratulations to the entire squad for their outstanding display against a strong Algerian outfit," Osimhen remarked while receiving his man-of-the-match award.
"Personally, I simply fulfilled my role by battling for the side and contributing goals or assists, yet the full team merits recognition."
Having finished as runners-up in the previous AFCON in Ivory Coast two years prior, Nigeria arrived in Morocco nursing disappointment from missing World Cup qualification, but now they harbour hopes of claiming a fourth African crown.
They showed no fear in front of a 32,452-strong Marrakesh audience largely backing Algeria, though the vibe will probably turn even tougher for their Rabat semi-final on Wednesday.
Algeria had triumphed over Nigeria on their path to the 2019 Cup of Nations victory in Egypt, and this marked their strongest showing at the event since that success.
Their enthusiastic fanbase, who filled the venue nestled below the Atlas Mountains, brimmed with hope following Vladimir Petkovićs teams impressive group performances and narrow last-16 win over the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Nevertheless, a squad boasting a potent attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza, and Mohamed Amoura registered zero shots on target in the first half and were fortunate to reach the break all square.
Nigeria came close around the 30-minute mark when goalkeeper Luca Zidane flapped at an Ademola Lookman free-kick and Calvin Bassey steered the rebound goalward.
Still, Ramy Bensebaini intervened at the final moment to clear it off the line.
Four in four
Nigeria ought to have taken the lead in the 37th minute when Adams broke free but fired his effort high over the crossbar.
That said, Eric Chelles interval instructions evidently paid off, as his Nigeria team swiftly grabbed the initiative post-restart.
Alex Iwobi picked out Bruno Onyemaechi on the flank, whose precise cross to the far post allowed Osimhen to nod the ball firmly into the net for the breakthrough.
The Galatasaray forward, often seen in his mask, had endured a seven-match Cup of Nations drought before netting against Tunisia in the groups. Now he boasts goals in each of his past four outings.
Nigeria lead the tournaments scoring charts with 14 goals overall, boosted when Adams doubled the advantage. Osimhen broke clear and generously laid off for the Sevilla man to slot past Zidane for his second strike in successive matches.
Adams nearly claimed a third, nodding against the upright after Osimhen laid the ball off from the touchline, while Algeria mounted little threat of a comeback.
Post-match tempers flared between the players on the field, but Nigeria now head to Rabat as the Super Eagles advance.