The Super Eagles delivered a commanding and tactically assured performance to defeat Algeria 2–0 and secure a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, reinforcing their credentials as serious title contenders.
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams capped a dominant display that saw Nigeria outclass the North Africans in all departments, setting up a tantalising semi-final showdown against hosts Morocco.
Completesports.com’s AUGUSTINE AKHILOMEN highlights five major talking points from the Super Eagles’ impressive victory over the Fennecs.
1. Calvin Bassey Stands Rock Solid In Defence
Calvin Bassey produced one of his finest performances in Super Eagles colours against Algeria, combining defensive solidity with purposeful forward runs whenever he had possession.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Osimhen Is Eagles’ Biggest Player –Ighalo
His physical presence proved decisive in Nigeria’s backline, as he successfully neutralised Riyad Mahrez and formed a formidable defensive partnership with Bruno Onyemaechi and Semi Ajayi.
2. Victor Osimhen Reaffirms His Status As Eagles’ Talisman
Victor Osimhen once again demonstrated why he remains Nigeria’s undisputed number-one striker, scoring with a powerful header and providing an assist for Akor Adams’ goal.
The Galatasaray forward’s strike was his fourth of the tournament, further underlining his importance to the Super Eagles’ AFCON 2025 campaign as they chase a fourth continental crown.
At 27, Osimhen is now just two goals shy of equalling the national team’s all-time scoring record of 37 goals held by the late Rashidi Yekini, a member of Nigeria’s victorious 1994 AFCON squad.
3. Alex Iwobi Bosses The Midfield With Authority
Alex Iwobi appears to have rediscovered his very best form at AFCON 2025, dictating the tempo of play and orchestrating Nigeria’s midfield with composure and confidence.
Against Algeria, the Fulham midfielder was near flawless, linking defence to attack seamlessly and supplying incisive passes to Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams and Ademola Lookman. He was instrumental in the build-up to both goals.
Read Also:‘Looking Like Champions’ — Oliseh Hails Super Eagles’ Performance In Win Over Algeria
4. Eric Chelle’s High-Pressing Tactics Pay Dividends
Once again, head coach Eric Chelle showcased his tactical astuteness, with a high-pressing system that left Algeria struggling to settle on the ball.
By granting Alex Iwobi and Ademola Lookman the freedom to roam, Chelle ensured fluidity in Nigeria’s attacking play, allowing the Super Eagles to dominate proceedings from start to finish.
5. Akor Adams Continues To Shine On AFCON Debut
Despite featuring at his first Africa Cup of Nations, Akor Adams continues to make headlines with his energetic displays and eye for goal.
The Sevilla striker could have netted a hat-trick against Algeria but settled for a crucial goal that sealed Nigeria’s victory, further enhancing his growing reputation at the tournament.
3 Comments
Was it only Calvin Bassey? What about Bright Osayi who played his best ever game in the Eagles shirt?
Eagles have scored 14 goals and not one of them is a penalty.
Not forgetting this is our most goals scored ever in AFCON history.
Fearsome!
My 5 Talking Points
1. Chelle’s fearsome bench: With what the Super Eagles have achieved in this tournament thus far, it is scary to think how many top quality players have been on the bench, only to play minimal roles. Chukwueze, Onuachu, Dele-Bashiru and Onyedika, to mention but a few.
2. Chelle’s masterclass formation: How the team have taken to this diamond 4-1-2-1-2 (4-3-1-2) is nothing short of magic. The level of understanding and connectivity between Iwobi, Bruno, Lookman and Osihmen is magic. Same can be said for Bassey, Onyeka, Osayi-Samuel and Ndidi.
3. Passing Routines: I counted the Super Eagles exchange 22 passes uninterrupted before a minor dislocation by Algeria which the Super Eagles reclaimed before the second goal; magic.
4. Direct Driven Passes: Long passes on grass across a ridiculously long distance has been Iwobi’s stock-in-trade in this tournament. But, others have chipped in too. Semi Ajayi, Bassey and Ndidi have also threaded tantalising driven passes to open up defences.
5. Crosses and Goals: The team delivers as many quality crosses as one can count. Even unlikely crossers like Frank Onyeka troubled Algeria with neat crosses. Almost all Nigeria’s goals have been highly technical and well thought out.
Hence, Nigeria has been the only perfect side and a run away train in this tournament.
It will be an anticlimax if this team fails to fashion a podium finish in this tournament.