Nigeria booked a place in the semifinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday after defeating Algeria 2-0 in their quarterfinal match at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.
Nigeria dominated much of the first half, keeping play largely inside Algeria’s half and applying sustained pressure through a series of dangerous attacks. Despite being the more threatening side, the Super Eagles were unable to find a breakthrough before halftime, and the opening period ended scoreless.
Nigeria wasted little time after the restart. Star striker Victor Osimhen opened the scoring in the 47th minute with a well-placed header, giving his side a deserved lead.
Ten minutes later, Akor Adams doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 57th minute. The forward rounded Algeria goalkeeper Luka Zidane before calmly slotting the ball into the net to seal the victory and confirm Nigeria’s place in the last four.
Algeria struggled to respond as Nigeria maintained control for the remainder of the match, limiting the North African side’s chances and closing out the win with relative comfort.
The end of the match was however marked by violence and chaos as Algerian players, supporters and journalists got out of control following the undisputable elimination, leading analysts to speak of “a dark evening marked by scenes of savagery that tarnish the image of African football.”
Algeria saw its frustration spill far beyond the pitch: Fierce protests against the refereeing, tensions with opposing players, incidents in the stands and disgraceful assaults in the mixed zone.
As put by the commentator of le360 news outlet, on the field, Nigeria delivered a commanding performance against Algeria (2–0), calmly and powerfully securing its place in the semifinals of the 2025 AFCON. Off the field, however, the spectacle descended into chaos, tension and unacceptable violence, marring a fixture that deserved better.
From a sporting perspective, the verdict was clear-cut. The Super Eagles outclassed the Fennecs in every area of the game. More intense and better organized, the Nigerians quickly imposed their authority with two dagger blows that overwhelmed Algeria, unable to respond with anything other than frustration.
But what should have remained a simple quarterfinal defeat turned, at the final whistle, into a sequence unworthy of a continental tournament of this level.
Barely had the match ended that several Algerian players rushed toward Senegalese referee Issa Sy and his assistants, in a scene of collective hostility that has become sadly familiar. Aggressive gestures, heated protests, pointless pressure: the refereeing became the scapegoat for an elimination that was nevertheless deserved. Swift intervention by stadium security was required to prevent the situation from escalating further.
The tension did not stop there. Still seething with anger, Algerian players then moved toward their Nigerian counterparts. A few minutes of uncertainty, loaded stares, poorly restrained gestures… the specter of a mass brawl hovered over the pitch. Once again, security measures prevented the irreparable.
In the stands, the atmosphere was just as toxic. A segment of Algerian supporters, refusing to accept the sporting reality of elimination, attempted to force their way toward the pitch. Shouts, shoving, crowd surges: anger turned into latent violence. Only the firmness of the stadium stewards prevented a mass pitch invasion that could have led to tragedy.
According to le360, the most serious incidents took place away from the cameras. In the mixed zone—an area that is supposed to be protected and dedicated to journalistic work—scenes of extreme gravity were reported. Moroccan journalists, present to cover the match as part of their professional duties, were confronted by Algerian journalists. Insults, threats, then physical assaults followed. Several colleagues were violently targeted in a cowardly and unacceptable outburst.
Nothing—absolutely nothing—can justify such acts. Not elimination, not sporting frustration. Attacking journalists is crossing a red line. It is a denial of the most basic values of sport, of journalism, and of professional coexistence.
Now, as Nigeria moves on calmly and confidently toward a semifinal against Morocco, Algeria leaves the tournament not only eliminated on sporting grounds, but burdened by a damaged image, weighed down by behavior that honors neither its football nor its press.
Nigeria will face Morocco on Wednesday Jan. 14 at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat for a ticket to the AFCON Morocco 2025 final. The match is scheduled to kick off at 9 p.m. local time.
Earlier in the day, Egypt will take on Senegal in the first semifinal in Tangiers.
Egypt qualified for the semifinals after they defeated the Ivorian squad 3-2 in a quarterfinal match played Saturday night at the Grand Stadium of Agadir.
