Nigeria's Osimhen Leads Team to Historic AFCON Semifinal

Victor Osimhen delivered a masterclass performance that sent Nigeria into the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals and rewrote the history books for the Super Eagles.

Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 at the Stade de Marrakech, securing their first-ever quarter-final victory over their longtime rivals at the tournament. The win marked Nigeria's fifth consecutive victory at this year's competition, something they've never accomplished before in a single AFCON edition.

The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half when Osimhen rose unmarked in the six-yard box to power home a header from Bruno Onyemaechi's delivery. After a tense first half, the goal finally broke Algeria's resistance and ignited celebrations among Nigerian fans.

But Osimhen wasn't finished. Just 12 minutes later, the Galatasaray striker raced clear on a counter-attack and unselfishly squared the ball to Akor Adams, who calmly finished with his left foot to double Nigeria's lead.

The victory carried extra meaning for Nigerian supporters who remembered their painful 2019 semifinal elimination by Algeria. This time, the Super Eagles defended resolutely to preserve another clean sheet and secure their redemption.

The Bright Side

Nigeria's perfect run has shattered their own tournament records in the most exciting way possible. Their 14 goals already surpass their previous best of 12 set in 2000, making this their most prolific AFCON campaign ever.

Osimhen and teammate Ademola Lookman have been unstoppable together, directly contributing to 13 of Nigeria's 14 goals. Osimhen's four tournament goals leave him just one behind the competition's leading scorer.

The historical balance between these two African giants has now leveled at four wins each from their 10 AFCON meetings. Nigeria famously defeated Algeria to win their first title in 1980, making this latest victory feel like coming full circle.

Nigeria will face host nation Morocco in Wednesday's semifinal as they chase their fourth AFCON title. With goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali commanding his area confidently and the attack firing on all cylinders, the Super Eagles are flying higher than ever before.