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| SEBASTIEN BOZON / AFP / AFP / Profimedia |
Victor Osimhen scored one and assisted another as Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 to lead the Super Eagles into AFCON ’25 semi-final.
The lead up to this quarter-final encounter was dominated by Osimhen’s on-field argument with teammates in the round-of-16 and threat bonus payment issues, but Nigeria rose to the occasion with two second half goals, thanks to Osimhen’s contributions.
Nigeria overwhelmingly dominated the first half, completing over twice the number of passes made by Algeria, and testing their goalkeeper, and not allowing the North Africans a sight of Stanley Nwabali.
Semi Ajayi headed high and wide from an early free kick, Osimhen did same from a corner kick, while Onyeka’s effort from a deep Bruno Onyemaechi cross was blocked by a defender within the first ten minutes of the match. Lookman also had a shot on the break saved at the near post, while Rayan Ait Nouri nicked the ball off Osimhen as the striker was about to shoot.
Calvin Bassey’s effort at the back post was scrambled off the line by Ramy Bensebaini and deemed no goal following a VAR check. Adams however missed the chance of the half, lifting the ball over the bar with just the goalkeeper to beat after been put through on goal by Alex Iwobi, as Algeria escaped into the break without going behind.They were not so lucky two minutes into the second half as Osimhen rose highest to convert a downward header to give Nigeria a deserved lead. Osimhen scored his fourth AFCON goal, and 35th international strike.
Nigeria made it two-nil on 57 minutes, Iwobi with a defence-splitting pass that freed Osimhen who unselfishly laid it on a plate for Adams to dribble the goalkeeper and tuck into an empty net for his 4th international goal.
Nigeria saw out the rest of the encounter to keep consecutive clean sheets and progress into their 16th AFCON semi-final, where they will face host nation Morocco for a place in the final.
- Daily Trust
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