It has been the Super Eagles of Nigeria all the way in the first 45 minutes of this 2025 AFCON quarterfinal against Algeria in Marrakech.
They enjoyed 68% of the ball possession and have created the better chances.
They only needed a goal to crown their dominance.
In the 23rd minute, Ademola Lookman’s low shot was held by Algeria goalkeeper Luca Zidane.
On the half hour, Calvin Bassey’s effort was cleared off the goalline by an Algerian defender and it needed VAR to decide the whole ball had not crossed the line.
The biggest chance of the first half fell to Jerome Akor, when he latched on a loose ball after a defensive lapse by Algeria, but his final effort sailed over the goal with the entire defence beaten.
It has been a testy time for the Desert Warriors as they have not been allowed to build patiently from the back no thanks to the Nigerians’ high pressing.
But the few times they have ventured forward they have been dangerous.
They were much the happier team going into the break with the game still scoreless.
Super Eagles vs Algeria (4-3-3) – Nwabali – Onyemaechi, Osayi-Samuel, Bassey, Ajayi – Ndidi (Captain), Onyeka, Iwobi – Ademola Lookman, Osimhen, Akor
