CAN 2025 – Quarter-final: Nigeria, vastly superior, eliminates Algeria (2-0) and advances to the semi-finals

CAN 2025 – Quarter-final: Algeria falls to a superior Nigeria (2-0)

AFCON 10 January 2026 at 12:58

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CAN 2025 – Quarter-final: Nigeria, vastly superior, eliminates Algeria (2-0) and advances to the semi-finals

10.01.26 FT AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria

Nigeria

The opening half of this CAN 2025 quarter-final was clearly dominated by Nigeria. More intense in challenges, technically sharper, and far more dangerous in the final third, Nigeria seized control as Algeria was forced to defend deep. The Greens bent but didn’t break for a long stretch, twice rescued by decisive goal-line interventions from Ramy Bensebaïni. Algerian frustration, however, reached a boiling point when a blatant handball in the Nigerian penalty area went unpunished, sparking outrage both in the stadium and across social media.

After the break, Nigeria’s dominance was finally rewarded. On a cross to the far post, Victor Osimhen pounced to beat Luca Zidane. Less than ten minutes later, an error from Ibrahim Maza sparked a lightning-fast Super Eagles counter: released into space, Osimhen set up Akor Adams, who rounded Zidane before doubling the lead (2-0).

🇩🇿🇳🇬 I don’t want to hear anyone talk about North African teams cheating .. it might apply for one team but certainly doesn’t apply to Algeria

A clear handball and penalty not called by the referee or the VAR pic.twitter.com/fJbVTwC5sY
— Algeria FC (@Algeria_FC) January 10, 2026

Despite late substitutions from Vladimir Petkovic, Algeria never managed to turn the tide or seriously threaten Nigeria. Superior as a unit and ruthlessly clinical, the Super Eagles secured a well-deserved win, knocking Algeria out of CAN 2025. They will now face Morocco in the semi-final for a spot in the final.