Nigeria has what it takes to win Afcon 2026 – Algerian Captain
By Omenihu Alfred fibmn
In an impressive performance, the Super Eagle of Nigeria powered to a deserved 2-0 victory over Algeria in their Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal on Saturday, 10th of January, 2026 with second-half strikes from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams to set up a semifinal with hosts Morocco. Osimhen steered home a long cross from the left by Bruno Onyemaechi two minutes into the second half on Saturday as Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane comprehended it not.
In the 37th minute, a poor clearance from Zidane to full-back Aissa Mandi was intercepted by Alex Iwobi, who quickly kicked the ball to Adams, but the Sevilla striker‘s left-footed effort missed the target with only the goalkeeper to beat. Adams also headed against the upright in the 82nd minute as Osimhen’s enterprise and persistence again set him up with a clear chance.
Nigeria, who two months ago missed out on World Cup qualification, as they overwhelmed their opponents from the start at the Grand Stade de Marrakesh, looking more determined, quicker around the field and stronger in the challenges, and denying their opponents a single scoring chance.
It can be recalled that Algeria had been forced to play extra-time before winning their last-16 clash against the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Tuesday and the exertion could have been the reason many of their key players turned in listless performances. In contrast, Nigeria had a comfortable 4-0 win over Mozambique on Monday before their victory against Algeria.
The Nigerian side, who have reached the last four 17 times in the last 20 tournaments they have qualified for, will now take on Morocco in Rabat in the semifinals on Wednesday 14th January this new weak.
Defending champions Ivory Coast was beaten 3-2 by seven-time champions Egypt as Egypt now proceeds to semi – finals.
In another development, Algerian captain Riyad Mahrez has given high praise to Nigeria’s national team after the Desert Foxes were eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON. Mahrez highlighted the promise of the Nigerian squad. “Maybe it will be the time for Nigeria to win the cup. They have a good generation but sometimes, you can have a good generation and you don’t win, but I think they have a good chance,” he said.
