Abidjan (Brussels Morning Newspaper) January 10, 2026 – Nigeria’s Super Eagles secured a 2-1 victory over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal at Stade Alassane Ouattara. Victor Osimhen’s header and Ademola Lookman’s equaliser propelled Nigeria to the semifinals, breaching Algeria’s previously stout defence. Riyad Mahrez scored twice for the Desert Foxes, but Nigeria held firm.
The match unfolded under floodlights before 34,892 spectators, with Nigeria advancing to face the South Africa or Cape Verde winner. Coach José Peseiro’s side extended their unbeaten run, having scored in every game this tournament.
Match Timeline and Pivotal Moments
Play began at 20:00 GMT, with Nigeria pressing early through wingers Samuel Chukwueze and Moses Simon. Algeria struck first in the 25th minute via Mahrez’s precise free-kick, curling beyond Stanley Nwabali after a foul by Wilfred Ndidi.
Nigeria levelled in the 42nd minute during a swift counter. Alex Iwobi threaded a pass to Lookman, who finished coolly past Oussama Benbot. The goal shifted momentum, as noted by observers tracking Algeria’s defensive record.
Making of Champions @MakingOfChamps said in X post,
“Before this match, Algeria had only conceded one goal in four matches. They meet the Super Eagles, and have already shipped in two goals after 65 minutes. No team have been able to stop Nigeria from finding the net at this AFCON tournament. These Eagles are really SUPER”
Before this match, Algeria had only conceded one goal in four matches.
They meet the Super Eagles, and have already shipped in two goals after 65mins.
No team have been able to stop Nigeria from finding the net at this AFCON tournament.
These Eagles are really SUPER 👏👏 pic.twitter.com/slQ1jzSmCQ
— Making of Champions (@MakingOfChamps) January 10, 2026
Osimhen sealed the win in the 68th minute, rising highest from a Ndidi corner to head home his third goal of AFCON 2025. Mahrez added a late consolation in the 85th minute from a Slimani assist, but eight minutes of stoppage time yielded no equaliser.
Statistical Breakdown and Player Contributions
Nigeria edged possession at 52% to Algeria’s 48%, launching 14 shots with six on target against Algeria’s 12 shots and five on target. Corners favoured Algeria slightly (5-4), but Nigeria dominated aerial duels (65%) and clearances (12-9).
| Statistic | Nigeria | Algeria |
| Possession | 52% | 48% |
| Shots (On Target) | 14 (6) | 12 (5) |
| Corners | 4 | 5 |
| Fouls | 12 | 12 |
| Yellow Cards | 1 | 1 |
| Pass Accuracy | 82% | 79% |
Osimhen earned man-of-the-match honours with seven duels won and 22 passes completed. Lookman provided one goal and two assists from 78 touches. Nwabali made five saves, including a 55th-minute Mahrez penalty stop. Mahrez topped Algeria’s charts with four key passes and three shots on target.
Fan reactions underscored Nigeria’s control midway through the second half. Slick @Never_CapAgain said in X post,
“This has been the most dominant performance all AFCON. Algeria literally can’t hang in anyway. Big up Nigeria, big up the Super Eagles, this could be our year.”
This has been the most dominant performance all AFCON. Algeria literally can’t hang in anyway.😂
Big up Nigeria, big up the Super Eagles, this could be our year.💚
#ALGNIG pic.twitter.com/2LTV5VBkh0— Slick (@Never_CapAgain) January 10, 2026
Lineups, Tactics and Coach Reactions
Nigeria started in 4-2-3-1: Nwabali; Aina, Troost-Ekong, Ajayi, Bassey; Ndidi, Iwobi; Chukwueze, Lookman, Simon; Osimhen. Substitutes Joe Aribo (70′ for Iwobi) and Calvin Bassey (82′ for Simon) maintained structure.
Algeria opted for 4-3-3: Benbot; Mandi, Bensebaini, Aïssaoui, Atal; Bennacer, Bentaleb, Zerrouki; Mahrez, Bounedjah, Belaïli. Islam Slimani (60′ for Bounedjah) and others entered late.
Peseiro commented post-match:
“Our counter-attacks and set-pieces were decisive. The team showed character.”
Algeria’s Djamel Belmadi responded:
“We led but failed to kill the game. Credit to Nigeria’s resilience.”
Referee Redouane Achik issued yellows to Ndidi (32′) and Bentaleb (61′), overseeing a clean contest.
Road to Quarterfinals and Tournament Background
AFCON 2025 runs from December 21, 2025, to January 25, 2026, in Côte d’Ivoire with 24 teams. Nigeria topped Group A unbeaten, beating Côte d’Ivoire 1-0, Guinea-Bissau 2-0, and drawing Zimbabwe 1-1 before a 1-0 round-of-16 win over Equatorial Guinea.
Algeria placed second in Group D (wins over Sierra Leone and Angola, draw with Burkina Faso), then defeated Burkina Faso 2-0 in the last 16. Nigeria have scored seven goals and conceded one; Algeria 5 scored, 2 cwere onceded post-match.
The Super Eagles, three-time champions, reached the semifinals in three of four prior editions. Algeria, 2019 finalists, sought a second title.
Semifinal Outlook and Post-Match Developments
Nigeria meets the South Africa-Cape Verde winner on January 14 at 20:00 GMT in Abidjan. CAF president Patrice Motsepe praised: “African football at its finest.” Osimhen added: “For the fans back home.”
No major injuries reported, though Algeria’s Ismaël Bennacer played through a knock. Global viewership topped 150 million, with semifinal prize money at $5 million and $7 million for champions.
Algeria coach Belmadi eyes squad changes ahead. Nigeria’s unbeaten streak continues, fuelling title hopes.
