Following Nigeria’s impressive 2-0 win over the Desert Foxes of Algeria in their quarter-final fixture at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday night. Completessports.com’s ADEBOYE AMOSU appraises the performance of the players.
Stanley Nwabali 6/10
Not really tested in the game. The Chippa United goalkeeper was booked for time wasting late on.
Bright Osayi-Samuel 8/10
Osayi-Samuel put up a solid display in the game. He went off injured late on.
Semi Ajayi 7/10
Proved his class once again. Contributed immensely to the team’s successful outing.
Calvin Bassey 7/10
Unlucky not to get a goal in the game. He also helped the Super Eagles keep a clean sheet for the second consecutive game.
Bruno Onyemaechi 7/10
Delivered a superb cross for Victor Osimhen’s first goal. Onyemaechi delivered another sublime performance.
Wilfred Ndidi 7/10
Protected the defence, and showed his leadership qualities once again. He was booked in the 67th minute, and will miss the semi-final against hosts Morocco.
Frank Onyeka 7/10
The Brentford man lived up to expectations once again. He was replaced by Moses Simon in the 69th minute.
Alex Iwobi 8/10
He had a hand in Nigeria’s two goals scored by Victor Osimhen, and Akor Adams. The Fulham star has been one of Nigeria’s top performers in Morocco.
Ademola Lookman 7/10
The winger was more involved in the first half. He however fizzled a bit after the break.
Read Also:AFCON 2025: Osimhen Scoops MOTM In Super Eagles’ Win Over Algeria
Akor Adams 7/10
Missed a glorious chance in the first half. He however make up for that by scoring Nigeria’s second goal.
Victor Osimhen 8/10
Scored once, and also provided an assist. Osimhen was named Man of the Match.
Substitutes
Moses Simon 5/10
Took the place of Frank Onyeka in the 69th minute. He caused problems for the Algerian defence with his trickery on the ball.
Raphael Onyedika 5/10
Onyedika replaced the injured Wilfred Ndidi with 21 minutes remaining on the clock. He helped protect the defence following his introduction.
Chidozie Awaziem N/A
Came in for Akor Adams with four minutes remaining on the clock.
Fisayo Dele-Bashiru N/A
Another late substitute. He replace Ademola Lookman in the 86th minute.
Igoh Ogbu N/A
A late replacement for the injured Bright Osayi-Samuel.
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Morocco style of play
Morocco’s national football team has developed a distinctive style of play that reflects both their individual talent and their tactical organization. Here are some characteristics of Morocco’s style of play:
1. **Tactical Flexibility**: The team often employs a flexible formation, commonly utilizing a 4-3-3 or 4-2-3-1 system, allowing for both defensive stability and attacking fluidity.
2. **Solid Defense**: Morocco tends to prioritize a strong defensive setup, with well-organized backlines and disciplined players who can read the game effectively. This allows them to absorb pressure and launch counter-attacks.
3. **Counter-Attacking**: The team excels at counter-attacking football, leveraging the speed and skill of their forwards. When they regain possession, they look to transition quickly to exploit opponents who may be caught off guard.
4. **Wing Play**: Morocco often utilizes their wingers to stretch the opposition’s defense. The wide players are typically fast and skilled, capable of delivering crosses or cutting inside to create goal-scoring opportunities.
5. **Technical Skill**: Moroccan players are known for their technical abilities, dribbling skills, and creativity on the ball. This allows the team to maintain possession and create chances through individual brilliance.
6. **Set Pieces**: Morocco can be potent from set pieces, using their physicality and aerial ability to threaten opponents during corners and free-kicks.
7. **Midfield Control**: The midfield plays a crucial role in dictating the tempo of the game. Morocco emphasizes ball retention and quick passing movements to create openings in the opposition’s defense.
8. **Cohesion and Teamwork**: The players often display strong teamwork and understanding on the pitch, which enhances their overall performance and effectiveness as a unit.
Overall, Morocco’s style of play blends tactical discipline with individual flair, making them a competitive team on the international stage. Their success in recent tournaments has highlighted their growing reputation in world football.
How to defeat Morocco.
Defeating a national football team like Morocco, which has demonstrated a strong style of play and skilled players, requires a strategic approach. Here are some tactics and strategies that could be employed:
1. **Exploit Defensive Gaps**: While Morocco’s defense is typically solid, teams can look for gaps or weaknesses, especially during transitions. Fast wingers or forwards can exploit any hesitations from defenders.
2. **Pressing High**: Implementing a high pressing strategy can disrupt Morocco’s buildup play. Forcing their defenders and midfielders to make quick decisions might lead to mistakes or turnovers.
3. **Control the Midfield**: Dominating the midfield can limit Morocco’s ability to maintain possession and build attacks. Use technically skilled midfielders who can control the tempo and break up their play.
4. **Set Pieces**: Focus on winning set pieces. Morocco may be vulnerable during corners and free-kicks; having tall and physically strong players can capitalize on these situations.
5. **Counter-Pressing**: If you lose the ball, quickly regain possession through counter-pressing. This will limit Morocco’s ability to counter-attack and can create immediate goal-scoring opportunities.
6. **Play Wide**: Use width to stretch the Moroccan defense. Targeting the flanks can create space in the central areas, allowing for more opportunities to penetrate their defensive line.
7. **Limit Space for Creative Players**: Identify and put pressure on key playmakers in the Moroccan squad. By limiting their time on the ball, you can disrupt their attacking plays.
8. **Be Disciplined Defensively**: Ensure that your team’s defensive line is organized and disciplined, minimizing the chances for Morocco to break through or create dangerous situations.
9. **Utilize Speed on the Break**: If Morocco pushes forward, use the opportunity to launch quick counter-attacks. Fast players who can transition from defense to attack rapidly can exploit their attacking intent.
10. **Maintain Composure**: Keeping calm in challenging situations is crucial. Avoiding reckless tackles or decisions when under pressure will help maintain structure and composure.
Football is unpredictable, and the effectiveness of any strategy will vary depending on the players available, the current form of both teams, and the tactical adjustments made during the match. Adapting to the game as it progresses is essential for overcoming any opponent, including Morocco.
Ola Aina will now have to work harder to get a starting 11 and win back that right back from Osayi.
Onyedika showed so much solidity and maturity in the few minutes he was on the field. Not taking anything away from Ndidi, but I think his role is covered in the semis.
Sanusi may end up no longer kicking a ball in this tournament with the all-round improvement of Bruno, whether defending, making interceptions, bombing forward, and pulling out deliciuls and pinpoint crosses for the strikers.
Everyone has really improved, including Osimhen with the offside trap. He has perfected the right time to make runs. Not a single offside call against him today.
Iwobi. What can anyone say??? The engine room. Unbenchable. He’s not only mastered the art of assists and preassists, but he’s also improved defensively and in intercepting opponents’ forays in the middle. This is one player we cannot risk injury to.
Chelle has really been hardworking, crossing the t’s and dotting the i’s of individual strengths and weaknesses in this SE team.
Nigeria vs Algeria is always a massive game.
The GERIA DERBY.
Battle of the Gerias.
They beat us often, but we also return the favour.
Algeria like to build from the back, but they struggled with this because of pressure from our terrible trio upfront. Add to that the flying wing backs and Iwobi’s line breaking passes. Algeria crumbled under the weight of the relentless pressure.
With better finishing, Nigeria might have had 4 or more goals.
Fantastic team performance. Kudos to the Taureg coach and the entire team.
We now are staring into the barrel of the gun. Facing the host nation and their vociferous fans. Nwabali has been on holiday so far in this knockout period. It likely will not be so against Morocco.
It promises to be one heck of a game!
Play that boy Alex Chukwuka Iwobi closer to our strikers……stubborn touareg failed to listen until we were bundled out of the world cup….. LMAOOoo.
Boy has been practically part of the buildup to almost every goal we have scored at this tournament so far.
I’ve told Iwobi’s haters, direct your hatred elsewhere, because Iwobi will be here for another 5years at the least….unless like Ekong, he chooses to excuse himself from the Super Eagles.
Ahmed Musa’s 111 caps must fall this year 2026.