By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech

Victor Osimhen played down his personal heroics after inspiring the Nigeria national football team to a 2–0 victory over the Algeria national football team in their Africa Cup of Nations 2025 semi-final clash, insisting the Super Eagles’ success was built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.

Osimhen, who was named Man of the Match after scoring one goal and providing an assist, credited Nigeria’s teamwork and discipline for seeing off a talented Algerian side and securing a place in the final.

“I scored a goal and provided an assist, but we shouldn’t focus on my personal performance; we should focus on the team effort of the national team,” Osimhen said after the match. “We won against a good Algerian team that has talented players.”

The striker explained that his all-round display was shaped by lessons learned from previous AFCON campaigns, stressing that influence and contribution were just as important as goals.

“For me, I was involved in the game, reflecting on my experience in the previous Africa Cup of Nations,” he noted. “It’s not just about scoring decisive goals, but about how we influence the game and contribute to the victory—that’s what matters most in the national team.”

Osimhen also highlighted his ongoing commitment to personal development as Nigeria chase continental glory.

“I always strive to improve myself, both mentally and physically,” he added.

Nigeria’s composed semi-final performance underlined their growing confidence and cohesion at the tournament, with Osimhen’s leadership up front symbolising a side increasingly focused on collective ambition rather than individual acclaim as they prepare for the AFCON final

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Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has been overshadowed by reports of post-match chaos and violence, with a Moroccan outlet, Le360 Sports, describing scenes of tension and misconduct that marred what had been a commanding on-field performance by the Super Eagles.

According to the report, Nigeria’s national football team dominated the quarter-final encounter from a sporting standpoint, outclassing Algeria’s national football team in intensity, organisation and physical presence. Nigeria seized control early in the second half when Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before setting up Akor Adams ten minutes later to seal the result.

Le360 noted that the two decisive moments left Algeria overwhelmed and unable to mount a meaningful response, with frustration quickly replacing composure as the match slipped away.

However, what should have remained a routine knockout-stage exit reportedly descended into disorder at the final whistle. The publication claimed several Algerian players confronted the match officials, directing their anger at Senegalese referee Issa Sy and his assistants. Stewards were forced to intervene as protests became increasingly aggressive, with officials allegedly turned into scapegoats for an elimination the report described as “deserved”.

Tensions also spilt onto the pitch, where heated exchanges followed between Algerian and Nigerian players. While no full confrontation erupted, Le360 said the situation remained volatile until security personnel restored calm.

The atmosphere in the stands was equally fraught. Sections of Algerian supporters reportedly attempted to force their way onto the pitch, with shouting, pushing, and crowd surges heightening fears of a wider disturbance before stewards regained control.

Most troubling, according to the Moroccan outlet, were incidents said to have taken place away from the cameras in the mixed zone. Le360 alleged that Moroccan journalists covering the match were subjected to insults, threats and physical assaults by Algerian journalists, describing the incidents as a serious breach of professional and sporting conduct.

“Nothing can justify such acts,” the report stated, arguing that sporting disappointment could not excuse attacks on journalists or the violation of spaces meant for safe and professional media work.

The incidents have cast a shadow over a tournament billed as a celebration of African football’s progress, raising renewed concerns about behaviour off the pitch despite improvements in the quality of play on it.

While Nigeria advance calmly to a semi-final showdown against Morocco’s national football team, Algeria’s exit has been accompanied not only by elimination on the field, but by scrutiny over conduct that Le360 said risks damaging the image of both its football and its media contingent.

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By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech

Nigeria head coach Eric Chelle expressed pride and satisfaction after the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory over Algeria national football team in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, describing the result as a reward for hard work, planning and belief in his football philosophy.

Speaking after the match, Chelle said the players were delighted with their performance and stressed that the win reflected the progress the team has made since he took charge.

“The Nigerian players are very happy, and I am extremely proud of them. We really enjoyed the match,” Chelle said. “I have worked a lot since taking over my role with the Nigerian national team; we put in a lot of effort during preparations. My vision has been implemented in the Nigerian team, and we must continue working in this manner.”

The coach insisted that the Super Eagles fully merited their place in the semi-finals after outplaying the North African side.

“The victory we achieved against Algeria was deserved. The match was fantastic, and I am very happy with the win,” he added.

Attention now shifts to a demanding semi-final clash against the hosts Morocco national football team, a fixture Chelle expects to test Nigeria both technically and mentally.

“After this match, we have another game, and we will prepare for it,” he said. “Morocco is a strong team, and there will be pressure in front of the host nation. The best team will win.”

Despite acknowledging the challenge ahead, Chelle welcomed the prospect of facing the tournament hosts, framing it as another opportunity for his side to measure their growth.

“I am proud that we will face Morocco, and I hope it will be a good match, with the best team winning,” he concluded.

Nigeria’s assured display against Algeria reinforced their credentials as one of the standout teams of the tournament and underlined Chelle’s growing influence as the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of continental success.

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