iDeemlawfulVictor Osimhen struck decisively just 47 seconds after the restart, nodding Nigeria into a 1-0 advantage against Algeria in a gripping 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final encounter on Saturday night.
The Galatasaray forward’s close-range header, supplied by a precise Bruno Onyemaechi delivery, lit up the Stade de Marrakech and sparked wild celebrations among Nigerian fans.
The opening half was fiercely contested, with both sides locked in a tight battle and unable to find an opener.
Nigeria fashioned a few chances, including an early Osimhen header that sailed over the bar and a Ademola Lookman effort that was kept out.
MOST READ ARTICLES
Algeria’s backline, anchored by goalkeeper Luca Zidane, stayed resolute despite picking up two cautions.
Moments into the second half, Osimhen’s sharp instincts again unsettled Algeria, and about nine minutes later he linked up with fellow forward Akor Adams inside the penalty area, where Adams produced a dazzling finish in the 56th minute.