Nigeria's Super Eagles secured a dominant 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Marrakech, confidently advancing to the semi-finals. This historic triumph marked Nigeria as only the sixth nation ever to win its opening five matches in a single AFCON tournament, underscoring their formidable championship charge under coach Eric Chelle. The win extended the Super Eagles' winning streak without extra time to five games in the competition, joining an elite club of African football legends.

The Super Eagles asserted their dominance from kickoff against the two-time champions. Despite Algeria clinging to a goalless halftime, largely due to crucial saves by goalkeeper Luka Zidane against threats from Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, and Akor Adams, Nigeria's relentless press and a 7-0 shot advantage in the first half screamed inevitability. Osimhen terrorized the right flank early, and Adams nearly struck after a lightning break, but Zidane held the line.

The floodgates opened early in the second half. In the 47th minute, a pivotal interception by Frank Onyeka initiated the attack, leading to a build-up involving Alex Iwobi and Akor Adams. Bruno Onyemaechi then delivered a pinpoint cross that met Victor Osimhen's aerial mastery, resulting in a towering header to break the deadlock. Just ten minutes later, in the 57th minute, Nigeria sealed their commanding victory. Onyeka again won possession high, Iwobi fed Osimhen, who unselfishly teed up Akor Adams. The Sevilla poacher showcased elite composure, rounding goalkeeper Luca Zidane and slotting the ball home for his second AFCON goal, doubling Nigeria's lead to 2-0.

Individual performances were instrumental in the victory. Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen expressed profound gratitude to Nigerian fans worldwide, acknowledging the tough battle against one of Africa’s top-ranked sides. He pledged the team’s unwavering commitment to building on their momentum, reaching the final, and lifting the continental trophy, emphasizing a "one game at a time" approach driven by his confidence in the team's quality and determination. Akor Adams, praised by coach Eric Chelle for his selfless play and high-intensity work ethic, contributed two goals and two assists in five matches, cementing a burgeoning partnership with Osimhen that has proven difficult for defenses to contain.

On the defensive end, Bright Osayi-Samuel delivered a "defensive masterclass," earning widespread acclaim as the unofficial man of the match. Stepping in for injured defenders Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick, the Birmingham City right-back excelled, effectively neutralizing Algeria’s most dangerous creative outlet, Fares Chaibi. Osayi-Samuel won 70% of his duels and was the most fouled player on the pitch, showcasing his superior pace and physical strength. His impressive statistics included 7 recoveries, 1 block, 4 successful tackles out of 5 attempts, and a 90% pass accuracy, alongside remarkable work rate. Addressing a late-game discomfort, Osayi-Samuel reassured fans it was due to cramps, not a serious injury, confirming his readiness for the semi-final. He also clarified a heated on-field altercation with Algerian forward Anis Hadj Moussa, admitting he "overreacted" after being pushed.

The dominant performance garnered significant reactions from both sides. Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez candidly admitted Nigeria's superiority, stating, "They deserve to win, to be honest," despite acknowledging minor refereeing issues. Algerian head coach Vladimir Petkovic echoed this sentiment, confessing, "Nigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us. It was difficult to get into this match… We were hit left and right." Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong hailed the display as one of the finest he has witnessed from the current squad, reiterating his confidence in Nigeria's ability to win the tournament. French-Algerian former footballer Samir Nasri also praised Nigeria's exceptional performance, while Algerian fans humorously admitted, "We’ve been cooked, roasted, air fried."

Adding a unique layer of motivation and team spirit, injured Super Eagles striker Victor Boniface promised to buy each of his 28 teammates a Mercedes G-Wagon following the triumphant win. This audacious pledge, estimated to cost over $3.6 million, ignited social media and complemented other financial incentives, including BUA Chairman Abdul Samad Rabiu's pledge of $500,000 for a semi-final win and $1 million for securing the trophy. Boniface, affectionately known as the "King of Vibe," used this gesture to boost team morale while recovering from knee surgery.

Looking ahead, Nigeria is poised for a highly anticipated semi-final clash against host nation Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah. The Super Eagles, who were runners-up in the 2023 tournament, are now singularly focused on replicating their 2013 AFCON triumph in South Africa and capturing their fourth continental title. Their historic five-game winning streak and impressive tactical discipline signal their strong intent for silverware, with the winner of their semi-final match advancing to face either Egypt or Senegal in the final.