Building on their 4-0 rout of Mozambique in the last-16, Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final, advancing to face hosts Morocco. Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored the second-half goals at Stade de Marrakech.
Following their dominant 4-0 victory over Mozambique in the round of 16, Nigeria faced Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final on January 10, 2026, at Stade de Marrakech in Marrakesh, Morocco. Both teams entered with strong tournament records, but Nigeria controlled proceedings for a deserved win.
Nigeria created multiple chances in the first half. On 23 minutes, Ademola Lookman cut inside for a low drive saved by Luca Zidane. Lookman then fed Victor Osimhen, but Zidane and Rayan Ait-Nouri cleared the danger. Algeria rarely threatened, with Ramy Bensebaini making a goal-line clearance from Calvin Bassey's free-kick near the 30th minute. Akor Adams missed the best chance, blazing over. Algeria's defense, breached only once before, held until halftime.
Nigeria struck early in the second half as Osimhen headed in at the far post. Soon after, Osimhen assisted Adams, who rounded Zidane to make it 2-0. Algeria regained some possession but rarely tested Stanley Nwabali. Adams later hit the post with a header as Nigeria neared a first AFCON title since 2013.
Algeria started with Zidane in goal and Riyad Mahrez upfront; Nigeria paired Osimhen with Adams. Nigeria, previously winless in four meetings with Algeria, finally prevailed. Algeria have exited quarter-finals in four of their last six AFCON knockouts, while Nigeria reached semis in 15 of 20 prior tournaments.
