Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams ensured a dominant win for Nigeria over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Nigeria got off to a quick start in Marrakesh, with Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman lively as the Super Eagles began to dominate.
The early pressure almost told as Calvin Bassey’s effort was cleared off the line by Ramy Bensebaini before Akor Adams blazed over when clean through, but the two sides went in level at the break despite the Super Eagles’ dominance.
However, Nigeria were soon rewarded for their efforts, with Osimhen heading in Bruno Onyemaechi’s cross less than two minutes into the second half.
It was nothing less than the Super Eagles deserved and they soon added a second, Adams finishing off a superb team move to round Luca Zidane and tap into an empty net to seal the result.
It means the Super Eagles advance into the final four at Afcon, booking a place in the semi-finals against Morocco on Wednesday, 14 January.
Follow all the reaction from Marrakesh below:
Algeria v Nigeria – live
- Nigeria beat Algeria 2-0 in Afcon quarter-finals to seal semi-final against Morocco
- 57' GOAL! Adams doubles lead after team move [ALG 0-2 NGA]
- 47' GOAL! Osimhen heads Nigeria ahead [ALG 0-1 NGA]
- 37' CLOSE! Adams misses when clean through [ALG 0-0 NGA]
- 29' OFF THE LINE! Bensebaini hooks clear from Bassey effort [ALG 0-0 NGA]
Morocco seal first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with convincing win over Cameroon
19:00 , Chris WilsonHere’s the report from yesterday’s quarter-final, with Morocco beating Cameroon...
Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.
Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty in the second half after what looked like a foul on Bryan Mbeumo but they too battled in the final third and did not force home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a save in the 90 minutes.
Morocco seal first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with convincing win over Cameroon
Afcon 2025: Fixtures, results and quarter-final schedule in full from Africa Cup of Nations
18:50 , Chris WilsonHere is the schedule and kick-off times for the semi-finals and beyond:
Afcon 2025: Fixtures, results, tables and schedule in full from Africa Cup of Nations
Afcon 2025: How to watch every match for free on TV and online
18:40 , Chris WilsonThe Africa Cup of Nations is hotting up with the knockout stages bringing drama and every game will be available to watch in the United Kingdom across Channel 4.
The broadcaster has secured exclusive rights to the 24-team tournament and will show every game on Channel 4, E4 or 4Seven, or online on Channel 4’s streaming service.
Afcon schedule
18:33 , Chris WilsonHere’s the remaining Afcon schedule then:
Quarter-finals
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Egypt v Ivory Coast | 7:00 PM | Le Grand Stade Agadir, Agadir, Morocco
Wednesday, January 14, 2026
Semi-finals
Senegal v Quarter-final 4 Winner | 5:00 PM | Stade Ibn-Batouta, Tangier, Morocco
Morocco v Nigeria | 8:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Saturday, January 17, 2026
Third-place play-off
Semi-final 1 Loser v Semi-final 2 Loser | 4:00 PM | Stade Mohamed V, Casablanca, Morocco
Sunday, January 18, 2026
Final
Semi-final 1 Winner v Semi-final 2 Winner | 7:00 PM | Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah, Rabat, Morocco
Afcon semi-finals
18:26 , Chris WilsonHere is the line-up so far for the semi-finals then:
Wednesday, 14 January
Senegal vs Egypt/Ivory Coast - Tangier, 5pm GMT
Morocco vs Nigeria - Rabat, 8pm GMT
FULL-TIME! Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
18:19 , Chris WilsonThat result means Nigeria book a semi-final place against Morocco!
That tie will take place in Rabat on Wednesday, 14 January, with kick-off set for 5pm GMT.
FULL-TIME! Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
18:13 , Chris Wilson
FULL-TIME! Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:59 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the final whistle and the Super Eagles advance into the semi-finals at Afcon 2025!
It’s a superb result after a dominant display to get a fairly straightforward win over Algeria, and the Super Eagles will face Morocco in the semi-finals next week.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:56 , Chris Wilson90 +4 mins
A brief break in play as Nwabali is receiving treatment after a late challenge. Victor Osimhen makes way for Igoh Ogbu late on.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:53 , Chris Wilson90 +1 mins
Into the first of six minutes of added time in Marrakesh. Harsh on Algeria.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:49 , Chris Wilson88 mins
All hope seems to have drained from the Algerian players now, and it seems like just a matter of time until Nigeria officially move into the semi-finals!
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:46 , Chris Wilson85 mins
Algeria are threatening more as we approach the end of the 90, but they can’t make anything of a corner as Nwabali fails to collect a defensive header.
Moments later, the Nigeria ‘keeper is booked for time-wasting.
Algeria have a penalty appeal waved away before Adams and Lookman come off for Dele-Bashiru and Awaziem.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:42 , Chris Wilson81 mins
OFF THE POST! Nigeria should have a third.
They work it forward quickly to Osimhen on the wing. His first cross is blocked but the follow-up is clipped back to Adams near the penalty spot. He’s unmarked as he rushes to meet the ball but he can only power a header at the woodwork!
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:39 , Chris Wilson78 mins
Almost another opening for Nigeria as Lookman gets free in the area, but his shot is deflected and Simon can’t get clean contact on the rebound.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:35 , Chris Wilson74 mins
Nigeria look more likely to add to their tally than to concede right now, with Algeria still struggling to create anything of note.
Boudaoui is next in the book as he clatters into Lookman.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:32 , Chris Wilson71 mins
Free-kick for Nigeria in a dangerous area as Bensebaini brings down Lookman just under 30 yards out.
Nothing comes of it, though Algeria can’t make anything of the counter as Nwabali collects the cross.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:29 , Chris Wilson68 mins
Bassey does well to intercept a potentially dangerous Algeria through ball.
Moments later, Ndidi goes down and he’ll have to come off, making way for Raphael Onyedika.
Onyeka also comes off, and he’s replaced by Moses Simon.
Algeria swing in a corner but Osayi-Samuel manages to clear and then wins a free-kick, with Hadj Moussa booked for scything him down.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:24 , Chris Wilson63 mins
Algeria are getting a little more joy in possession but they still haven’t managed to create a clear opening, with the latest ball into the box running out for a goal kick.
Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:22 , Chris Wilson60 mins
Subs for Algeria in reaction to that second for the Super Eagles.
Adil Boulbina, Baghdad Bounedjah and Anis Hadj Moussa come on for Mahrez, Zerrouki and Maza.
GOAL! Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
17:18 , Chris Wilson57 mins
GOAL! The Super Eagles have a second, and what a lovely goal this is.
Iwobi plays an inch-perfect through ball to Osimhen, who takes it in his stride before standing up the defender and laying it on a plate to Adams, who skips past the inrushing Zidane before tapping into an empty net.
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:15 , Chris Wilson54 mins
Half a chance for Nigeria as Onyemaechi clips another cross to the back post and Osimhen is there again, but there’s less pace on this one and the striker’s tame header is saved by Zidane.
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:12 , Chris Wilson52 mins
Lovely passing from Nigeria as Lookman and Iwobi combine on the edge of the area, but the former can’t get a shot away despite beating a couple of defenders.
Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:11 , Chris Wilson50 mins
We have a game now in Marrakesh! Algeria get forward but the Super Eagles manage to shepherd the ball clear.
At the other end, Lookman swings in a corner but his delivery doesn’t find a teammate.
GOAL! Algeria 0-1 Nigeria
17:09 , Chris Wilson47 mins
GOAL! Nigeria finally have the goal they deserved!
Who else but Victor Osimhen, who is unmarked at the far post and rises high to power a header past Zidane from Onyemaechi’s cross.
KICK-OFF! Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
17:05 , Chris WilsonBack underway in Marrakesh!
HALF-TIME! Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
17:03 , Chris WilsonAn intriguing first half in Marrakesh but Nigeria will be wondering how they aren’t ahead.
The Super Eagles dominated Algeria for almost the entirety of the half – with seven shots to Algeria’s zero – but they couldn’t find the opener. Will they live to regret those missed chances?
We’ll be back underway soon in this quarter-final.
HALF-TIME! Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:57 , Chris Wilson
HALF-TIME! Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:50 , Chris WilsonThe referee blows the half-time whistle and both sides enter the break level.
It’s been an entertaining first half in Marrakesh, though the Super Eagles will be gutted not to be ahead after dominating and creating all of the chances.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:49 , Chris Wilson45 +1 mins
Bruno Onyemaechi hits the free-kick but it’s not troubling the ‘keeper.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:47 , Chris Wilson45 mins
Into the first minute of added time in Marrakesh.
Osayi-Samuel does brilliantly down the right to skip past two challenges and win a free-kick right on the right-hand edge of the area.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:46 , Chris Wilson44 mins
A bit more pressure from Nigeria with a long throw from Onyedika, but nobody in a Super Eagles shirt can get a shot away after pinball in the box.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:43 , Chris Wilson40 mins
Algeria have managed to carry the ball higher up the pitch on a couple of occasions in recent minutes but they haven’t been able to fashion a chance, with either sufficient support or the final ball missing on each occasion.
Ait-Nouri is the latest to do well to venture towards the Nigeria box, but he’s too isolated and loses the ball before conceding a foul.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:39 , Chris Wilson37 mins
CLOSE! Oh, how has he missed!?
Nigeria should be 1-0 ahead as a 50/50 challenge breaks kindly for Adams, who finds himself 1-v-1 with Zidane.
He drives towards goal and looks set to give his side the lead but he curls over from just over 12 yards!
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:36 , Chris Wilson35 mins
It was slightly more even for a brief period but Nigeria are certainly back in the ascendancy in Marrakesh.
Algeria have been unable to trouble the Super Eagles, while at the other end Osimhen and co. have been a near-constant threat.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:34 , Chris Wilson32 mins
Another chance almost straight away for Nigeria as the cross comes in from the right, but it’s slightly behind Adams and he can’t direct a shot goalwards.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:32 , Chris Wilson29 mins
OFF THE LINE! What a chance for the Super Eagles!
The free-kick comes in from the right and Zidane misjudges it, with the ball flying towards Bassey at the back post.
The Fulham defender bundles it past the ‘keeper but Bensebaini is there to hoo away off the line!
Or does he? There’s a long VAR/goal-line technology check...
It’s not given. What a clearance that was from the Algeria defender!
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:30 , Chris Wilson28 mins
Second yellow of the day goes to Amoura as he concedes a free-kick midway into his own half.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:28 , Chris Wilson25 mins
CLOSE! Almost a great opening for the Super Eagles, as Lookman threads a pass through to Osimhen in the box. He takes a touch to go 1-v-1 with Zidane but Ait-Nouri flies in with a superb challenge to divert the ball away.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:24 , Chris Wilson22 mins
CHANCE! Nigeria pick the ball up from an Algeria free-kick and they find themselves 3-v-3 with the defence. Osimhen worsk it wide to Lookman, but the Atalanta winger can only fire a shot too close to Zidane in goal.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:20 , Chris Wilson18 mins
No chances for either side over the last few minutes. Both have settled better in possession, though they’re struggling to find gaps in the opposition defence.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:16 , Chris Wilson14 mins
Algeria have grown into the game a bit over the last few minutes, finally venturing out of their half and sustaining a bit of possession in the Super Eagles’ half.
However, the first cross to come in is too tame and is easily cleared.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:13 , Chris Wilson10 mins
Algeria haven’t quite managed to settle yet, with Nigeria certainly dominant over the opening 10 minutes.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:09 , Chris Wilson7 mins
Another corner for the Super Eagles as Osimhen gets free in the box but sees his cross put behind.
Lookman delivers it again but Osimhen heads over from about six yards!
First real chance of the game but he was under pressure as he tried to head towards goal.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:06 , Chris Wilson5 mins
A more energetic start from Nigeria, with Osimhen and Lookman combining to win a corner.
The latter delivers the set-piece but it’s headed away and Algeria win the free-kick.
Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:04 , Chris Wilson2 mins
An early free-kick for Nigeria, about 30 yards from goal. It’s swung in towards the back post but the header flies wide fro Semi Ajayi.
KICK-OFF! Algeria 0-0 Nigeria
16:01 , Chris WilsonWe’re underway in Marrakesh! This should be a fascinating quarter-final tie.
Algeria v Nigeria – live
15:56 , Chris WilsonBoth sides have emerged from the tunnel in Marrakesh, so we’ll be underway soon.
Algeria v Nigeria – live
15:52 , Chris Wilson
How to watch the game
15:48 , Chris WilsonKick-off is in under 15 minutes in Marrakesh, so here’s a final reminder on how you can watch this afternoon’s match.
Algeria vs Nigeria will kick off at 4pm GMT at the Marrakesh Stadium, Morocco.
Every Afcon match will be shown on Channel 4’s network, with E4 starting coverage at 3.30pm GMT, including a live stream for mobile users on All 4 and a live blog right here at Independent Sport.
In Nigeria, the match will be shown on SuperSport.
Afcon 2025 top scorers
15:42 , Lawrence OstlereDiaz leads the way after his latest strike last night for Morocco but any of Lookman, Mahrez and Osimhen could close the gap here in this game:
1. Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – 5 goals.
2. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 3 goals.
3. Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) – 3 goals.
4. Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) – 3 goals.
5. Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – 3 goals.
6. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 3 goals.
7. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 3 goals.
8. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 3 goals.
Nigeria coach dismisses talk of player anger of bonuses
15:35 , Lawrence OstlereChelle declined to comment about reports that Osimhen was on the verge of walking out of the team after an on-field argument with teammate Ademola Lookman during the Super Eagles' 4-0 win over Mozambique in the last 16 on Monday.
"I prefer to speak about the (upcoming) game. Victor is there and that's all," Chelle said. "Yes, everyone's speaking about Osimhen and Lookman, it's normal, they're the last two best African players, but we're here to serve them to score, we're working for them. We're a team, and that's what teamwork is all about."
Nigeria coach dismisses talk of player anger of bonuses
15:29 , Lawrence OstlereNigeria's preparations for this Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Algeria have been dogged by speculation about internal strife involving star striker Victor Osimhen and reports that the players were not being paid their bonuses.
Nigeria coach Eric Chelle would not comment on the reports Friday, when he said such questions need to be directed to the Nigeria Football Federation.
"This is my job, to stay focused — to try to stay focused — to stay focused about only the pitch (field), and definitely my job is on the pitch, not around," Chelle said in Marrakech a day before Nigeria plays Algeria in the city.
The NFF still advertises a vacancy for the position of head coach of the men's team, a year and a day after it appointed Chelle to the position.
Nigerian media outlets reported that the players had threatened not to train or travel to Marrakech for the match unless they were paid agreed bonuses for winning their first four Africa Cup games.
Diaz delights home fans
15:24 , Lawrence OstlereBrahim Diaz was the hero for Morocco and is the top scorer in the tournament so far.
Last night's quarter-finals
15:18 , Lawrence OstlereThe hosts Morocco sealed their first Afcon semi-final since 2004 with a convincing win over Cameroon.
Brahim Diaz scored for the fifth game in a row at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations as hosts Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in their quarter-final clash to keep alive their hopes of a first continental title in 50 years.
Ismael Saibari was also on target in another workmanlike display in which Morocco were efficient enough, but also created little in the way of chances, netting from two of their three shots on target.
Cameroon had a strong shout for a penalty in the second half after what looked like a foul on Bryan Mbeumo but they too battled in the final third and did not force home goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into a save in the 90 minutes.
Morocco, who have yet to concede a goal in open play at the finals, face the winner of this quarter-final between Algeria and Nigeria in the next round, a tie that will be played in Rabat on Wednesday.
Last night's quarter-finals
15:12 , Lawrence OstlereIliman Ndiaye scored the only goal as Senegal booked a semi-final berth at the Africa Cup of Nations for the third time in the last four tournaments, beating 10-man Mali 1–0 in the quarter-finals on Friday.
Ndiaye struck after 27 minutes, capitalising on a goalkeeping error to put Senegal ahead in a tense derby against their West African neighbours.
Mali were reduced to 10 men for the second half after captain Yves Bissouma was sent off for a second booking on the stroke of half-time. He had been cautioned earlier for a clumsy challenge in the 25th minute and was dismissed following a needless foul on Idrissa Gana Gueye.
The Malians had also gone down to 10 men from the 26th minute of their previous clash against Tunisia and still managed to progress on penalties, but there was no such recovery this time against a polished Senegal side.
Team news
15:08 , Chris WilsonNigeria manager Eric Chelle has named the same starting XI as he did for the win over Mozambique in the last 16, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams once again leading the line.
Ademola Lookman plays in the attacking midfield role, with the trio of Frank Onyeka, Alex Iwobi and Wilfried Ndidi anchoring midfield.
Team news
15:06 , Chris WilsonAlgeria have made just one change from the win over DR Congo, with Ismaël Bennacer coming out of midfield for Ramiz Zerrouki.
Luca Zidane starts in goal once again, with Riyadh Mahrez leading the side in attack and Man City’s Rayan Ait-Nouri at left-back.
Line-ups
15:04 , Chris WilsonNigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams.
Subs: Uzoho, Zaidu, Igoh, Bashiru, Chukwueze, Usman, Simon, Amas, Onyedika, Onuachu, Awaziem, Ejuke, Fago, Nnadi, Akinsanmiro.
𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 🗞️
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 10, 2026
🔝Osimhen & Adams up top
🪄 Iwobi in the middle
🔒 Bassey and Ajayi locked in defence
Let's do this, Super Eagles 🦅
#ALGNGA#Naija4TheWin pic.twitter.com/tCvT0VYVM3
Line-ups
15:01 , Chris WilsonAlgeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza.
Subs: Mandrea, Dorval, Belaid, Abdelli, Hadj Moussa, Bakrar, Bounedjah, Benbot, Zorgane, Atal, Kebbal, Boulbina, Berkane.
Starting XI | التشكيلة الأساسية
— Équipe d'Algérie de football (@LesVerts) January 10, 2026
#LesVerts⭐️⭐️ | #123vivalAlgérie🇩🇿| #AFCON2025 pic.twitter.com/5soHR637vk
Algeria v Nigeria – live
14:43 , Lawrence OstlereThe two line-ups will be confirmed very shortly...
Predicted line-ups
14:38 , Lawrence OstlereAlgeria XI: Zidane; Belghali, Mandi, Bensebaini, Ait Nouri; Boudaoui, Zerrouki, Chaibi; Mahrez, Amoura, Maza
Nigeria XI: Nwabali; Osayi-Samuel, Ajayi, Bassey, Onyemaechi; Onyeka, Ndidi, Iwobi; Lookman; Osimhen, Adams
Team news
14:31 , Lawrence OstlereIsmael Bennacer is a doubt after being substituted against DR Congo. But Jaouen Hadjam is in contention to return. There’s a major doubt over Anis Hadj Moussa, while Samir Chergui and Mohamed Tougai are also fighting to be fit.
The Super Eagles should line up in the 4-4-2 diamond. Akor Adams is available after being granted permission to depart the squad due to personal reasons. Cyriel Dessers remains out with injury and will miss the rest of the tournament.
How to watch the game
14:18 , Lawrence OstlereAlgeria vs Nigeria will kick off at 4pm GMT at the Marrakesh Stadium, Morocco.
Every Afcon match will be shown on Channel 4’s network, with E4 starting coverage at 3.30pm GMT, including a live stream for mobile users on All 4 and a live blog right here at Independent Sport.
In Nigeria, the match will be shown on SuperSport.
Algeria v Nigeria – live
14:05 , Lawrence OstlereA heavyweight quarter-final in the Africa Cup of Nations sees 2019 champions Algeria take on three-time champions Nigeria for a place in the semi-finals.
Vladimir Petkovic’s Algeria have shone throughout, with victories over Sudan, Burkina Faso and Equatorial Guinea in the group stage before downing DR Congo in the last 16.
The Desert Warriors will hope to overcome the last eight after exiting the tournament in the quarter-finals in four of the last six appearances in the knock-out stages.
The Super Eagles will be tough opponents, though, with the pedigree to advance at this stage, having reached the semi-finals in 15 of the last 20 appearances at the Afcon, including a runner-up finish last time out.
Redemption from failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup is paramount for Eric Chelle’s men, with a competition-high 12 goals, Victor Osimhen will hope to lead a potent attack into the last four.
Algeria v Nigeria – live
12:01 , Lawrence OstlereHello and welcome along to live coverage of the Afcon 2025 quarter-final between Algeria v Nigeria in Marrakesh. It should be a cracking game between two of the best sides in the tournament.
All the team news and build-up coming right up ahead of kick-off at 4pm GMT...
