Nigeria’s Super Eagles set Marrakech aglow on Saturday as they powered their way into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, defeating bitter rivals Algeria 2–0 in a performance that spoke of belief, brotherhood, and a nation’s dream.
It was not just a win. It was a statement, GWG.ng Sports Editor reports.
After a tight and nervy first half, the Eagles returned from the dressing room like men possessed — hungry, fearless, and determined to carry Nigeria’s green-white-green flag deeper into Africa’s biggest football stage.
And within moments, the breakthrough came.
Rising above the Algerian defence, Victor Osimhen thundered home a header just after the restart, sending Nigerian supporters into wild celebration and announcing the beginning of a new chapter in the night’s drama.
The goal lifted the team, lifted the fans, and lifted a nation watching from living rooms, viewing centres, and street corners across Nigeria.
Barely ten minutes later, the dream burned even brighter.
A sweeping Nigerian move — fast, fearless, and flowing — tore through Algeria’s backline. When the ball fell to Akor Adams, he showed ice in his veins, calmly slotting it home to make it 2–0.
The Eagles had taken flight.
From that moment on, Nigeria owned the game. Every tackle was cheered like a goal. Every interception felt like a promise. The midfield hunted in packs, the defence stood like a wall, and the forwards continued to threaten with every surge.
Algeria, rich in pedigree and pride, tried to respond. But this night belonged to Nigeria and Algeria which had not conceded a goal since the beginning of the tournament suffered a humiliating defeat.
It belonged to the young boys playing barefoot in the streets, to the old fans who have lived every AFCON heartbreak and triumph, to the millions who still believe that football remains one of Nigeria’s strongest voices.
When the final whistle blew, the Super Eagles had done more than reach the semi-finals. They had reignited belief.
They had reminded Africa that Nigeria does not come to tournaments to participate — Nigeria comes to conquer.
Now, only two steps remain between the Super Eagles and continental glory.
And as the green and white march on, a nation marches with them.
