The highly anticipated 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash between Nigeria's Super Eagles and Algeria's Desert Foxes took place in Marrakech, setting the stage for a memorable encounter between two footballing giants.

Ahead of the high-stakes showdown, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made a significant change in officiating, appointing Senegalese referee Issa Sy to oversee the match. This decision came after an earlier appointment of Omar Artan was withdrawn due to rising concerns over officiating decisions throughout the tournament. Sy was no stranger to the AFCON 2025, having previously served as a Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the group-stage match between Morocco and Tanzania, and his appointment was expected to ease tensions.

Adding to Nigeria's pre-match preparations, Blackburn Rovers defender Ryan Alebiosu made a timely return to full training with the Super Eagles. Alebiosu had sustained a short injury layoff during Nigeria’s final group stage match against the Cranes of Uganda, when he was forcefully shoved into the advertising boards. Much to the relief of the Nigerian camp, the 24-year-old was declared fully fit and available for selection for the crucial quarter-final fixture.

Both nations entered the quarter-final with perfect records, the only teams yet to drop points in the tournament, making the stakes incredibly high. Algeria, under coach Vladimir Petkovic, showcased the competition's most disciplined defense, winning all three group matches and conceding just once. Their defense, marshalled by Aissa Mandi and goalkeeper Luca Zidane, was almost impenetrable, with captain Riyad Mahrez providing the creative spark. Nigeria, coached by Eric Chelle, arrived with formidable attacking firepower, having scored a tournament-high 12 goals in four matches, including a dominant 4-0 win over Mozambique in the round of 16. Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman led a fast, aggressive front line that thrived in transitions.

The match was heralded as a clash of styles: Algeria's compact 4-3-3 aiming to control tempo and protect its defensive structure, against Nigeria's 4-4-2 diamond seeking to hunt space, exploit transitions, and press for openings. The Super Eagles’ starting lineup included Stanley Nwabili in goal, a defense of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Semi Ajayi, Calvin Bassey, and Bruno Onyemaechi. The midfield comprised Frank Onyeka, Wilfred Ndidi, and Alex Iwobi, supporting an attack led by Ademola Lookman, Akor Adams, and Victor Osimhen. For Algeria, the lineup featured Anthony Mandrea, Rafik Belghali, Zineddine Belaid, Mohamed Tougai, Rayan Ait Nouri, Anis Hadj Moussa, Ramiz Zerrouki, Himad Abdelli, Fares Chaibi, Ibrahim Maza, and Monsef Bakrar.

From the opening exchanges at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, Nigeria looked the sharper and more purposeful side, despite initial difficulty converting clear chances. Ademola Lookman and Victor Osimhen both went close before the break, while Alex Iwobi’s clever movement and passing repeatedly unsettled the Algerian defense. Luca Zidane, who had not conceded a goal at the tournament before this match, was forced into several saves as Nigeria dominated territory and possession. A first-half VAR check denied Calvin Bassey what appeared to be a goal, making it somewhat surprising that the game reached half-time goalless.

The breakthrough arrived early in the second half, fittingly delivered by Victor Osimhen. Bruno Onyemaechi, who had a mixed first half, produced a superb cross from the left, and the Galatasaray striker powered a header beyond Zidane at the far post. This was Osimhen’s 35th international goal, moving him closer to Rashidi Yekini’s long-standing Nigeria record, and it ended Zidane’s clean-sheet run in the tournament, reportedly with his famous father Zinedine watching from the stands.

Nigeria sensed blood and pressed on. Just over ten minutes later, Osimhen turned provider, selflessly squaring the ball for Akor Adams, who rolled it past the goalkeeper into an empty net, effectively settling the contest. Although chances continued to come and go, with Zidane preventing a heavier scoreline, Nigeria maintained control throughout. The Super Eagles secured a controlled and convincing 2-0 victory, bringing Algeria's flawless tournament run to an abrupt end.

This triumph propelled Nigeria into a blockbuster semi-final clash against tournament hosts Morocco. For Eric Chelle, it marked the first time he had reached an AFCON semi-final as a coach, a testament to his team's tactical discipline and attacking threat. Nigeria continues its march towards a potential fourth continental title, showcasing patience, power, and growing authority on the pitch.