Algeria 0-2 Nigeria Player Ratings: Super Eagles Soar to 2-0 Victory, Book AFCON Semi-Final Spot

A game of two halves saw Nigeria secure a commanding 2–0 victory over Algeria in this Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash. The first half was tight and cagey, with neither side able to create meaningful chances, but the Super Eagles came out after the break with a completely different intensity, leaving the Desert Foxes struggling to keep up.

The breakthrough came just two minutes into the second half, when Victor Osimhen, a constant threat throughout the match, powered home a header to put Nigeria ahead. The goal shifted the momentum entirely, exposing Algeria’s defensive vulnerabilities and forcing them into mistakes.

Ten minutes later, Akor Adams sealed the result with a composed finish on a swift counter-attack, doubling Nigeria’s advantage and putting the game firmly beyond reach. From that point on, the Super Eagles controlled possession and tempo expertly, frustrating Algeria and limiting any real threat. Even substitutions of key players like Riyad Mahrez did little to change the story of a one-sided second half.

Here’s a look at the Algeria vs Nigeria Player Ratings from this quarter-final AFCON clash.

Key Takeaways

• After a goalless first half, Nigeria exploded early in the second half, with Victor Osimhen’s header just two minutes after the restart shifting momentum decisively.

• Akor Adams’ goal ten minutes later doubled the lead, showcasing Nigeria’s efficiency and tactical sharpness in exploiting Algeria’s defensive lapses.

• From the second goal onward, Nigeria controlled the match effortlessly, leaving Algeria frustrated and highlighting a night of disappointment for the Desert Foxes.

Algeria Player Ratings vs Nigeria

Let's take a look at the Algeria Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Luca Zidane - 6.0: Made three saves and couldn't do much about either of the goals. He looked composed for large parts of the first half, but was left completely exposed by his defence for both strikes. We noticed he was quick off his line, but his distribution was a bit hit-or-miss.

Defenders

Rafik Belghali - 6.0: Tried to get forward and support the attack, putting in a couple of crosses. He recovered the ball eight times, which was impressive. However, like the rest of the backline, he was caught out during Nigeria's second-half surge. A mixed bag, really.

Aïssa Mandi - 5.5: A difficult evening for the veteran defender. He made an error that led to a shot and was dribbled past once. While he made five clearances, he seemed to struggle with the pace and movement of Nigeria's forwards. He just didn't look comfortable.

Ramy Bensebaini - 5.0: A night to forget for Bensebaini. He was responsible for an error leading to a shot and looked shaky throughout. He lost most of his aerial duels and his rash decision-making put his team under unnecessary pressure. What stood out to us was his frustration, which was palpable.

Rayan Aït-Nouri - 5.5: A very busy but ultimately frustrating game for him. He lost possession a staggering 17 times and picked up a yellow card. While he won a decent number of duels, his end product was lacking and he was often caught too far up the pitch, leaving space behind him.

Midfielders

Ramiz Zerrouki - 5.5: He was a destructive force in midfield, winning five tackles before being hooked at the hour mark. However, he also gave away three fouls and picked up an early yellow card which limited his effectiveness. His substitution felt necessary as he was walking a tightrope.

Hicham Boudaoui - 5.0: Largely anonymous. He completed his passes well enough but had little to no impact on the game in an attacking sense. He lost more duels than he won and his yellow card for a cynical foul summed up a frustrating performance before he was subbed off.

Ibrahim Maza - 5.0: It just wasn't his day. He lost possession 11 times and struggled to get into the game. He was dribbled past twice and failed to create anything of note before being substituted after 61 minutes. He looked a bit out of his depth against a strong Nigerian midfield.

Forwards

Riyad Mahrez - 6.0: The captain tried to make things happen, drawing four fouls and showing flashes of his quality. But from our perspective, he was well-marshalled by the Nigerian defence. Being substituted on the hour mark in a knockout game tells you everything you need to know about his limited impact.

Mohamed Amoura - 5.0: A very quiet and ineffective display from the attacker. He managed only 15 touches and lost possession 8 times. His yellow card for a poor challenge was born out of frustration. He offered no real threat and was rightly substituted.

Farès Chaïbi - 5.5: He worked hard but with little reward. He lost possession 16 times, which is far too high for a player in his position. He put in a shift defensively, but his final ball was consistently lacking. A disappointing outing.

Substitutes

Baghdad Bounedjah - 6.0: Came on and had one decent long-range effort that went over. Didn't have much service to work with.

Anis Hadj Moussa - 5.5: He came on and immediately got booked for a rash foul. Didn't add the spark that was needed.

Adil Boulbina - N/A: Not enough time or involvement to warrant a rating.

Redouane Berkane - N/A: Had a brief cameo but was caught offside. Not enough time to rate.

Himad Abdelli - N/A: Came on late with the game already lost.

Manager

V. Petković - 4.5: His team looked devoid of ideas, especially after going behind. The tactics felt wrong from the start of the second half, and his substitutions failed to change the game's momentum. A poor showing from the man in charge.

Nigeria Player Ratings vs Algeria

Here's a deeper look at the Nigeria Player Ratings.

Goalkeeper

Stanley Nwabali - 7.0: A very comfortable evening for the Nigerian shot-stopper. He wasn't tested much but claimed everything with confidence and his distribution was solid. He commanded his area well, and the clean sheet was well deserved. A quiet but assured performance.

Defenders

Bright Osayi-Samuel - 7.5: What a solid performance. He was a rock on the right flank, winning seven duels and drawing five fouls. He completely nullified the threat down his side and was a constant outlet. A very impressive, disciplined display.

Semi Ajayi - 7.5: He was imperious at the back. His passing was crisp and he was dominant in his duels. A last-man tackle showed his excellent reading of the game. He barely put a foot wrong and was a key part of the clean sheet.

Calvin Bassey - 7.0: Calm and composed on the ball, completing 86% of his passes. He was strong in the tackle and positioned himself well throughout the game. He missed a big chance from a set-piece, but his defensive contribution was top-notch.

Bruno Onyemaechi - 8.5: A fantastic attacking performance from the left-back. He provided the beautiful cross for the opening goal and created a staggering five chances throughout the match. While he was caught out a couple of times defensively, his offensive output was a game-changer. What stood out to us was his relentless energy.

Midfielders

Wilfred Ndidi - 7.0: A typical Ndidi performance before his injury-enforced substitution. He was combative, breaking up play and recycling possession effectively. He controlled the tempo in the middle of the park and provided a great screen for his defence. A shame his night ended early.

Frank Onyeka - 7.5: He was absolutely everywhere. Onyeka won eight duels, made two successful dribbles, and was a bundle of energy. He drove his team forward and was crucial in both defence and attack. A superb box-to-box performance.

Alex Iwobi - 7.0: The creative hub of the team. He was always looking for a progressive pass, making 16 passes into the final third. While he lost possession a few too many times, his willingness to take risks and drive the team forward was vital to Nigeria's attacking play.

Forwards

Ademola Lookman - 7.5: A constant threat. He created two chances, had a shot on target, and his movement caused all sorts of problems. He worked hard defensively as well, winning both of his tackles. A very lively and effective performance on the wing.

Victor Osimhen - 9.0: Man of the Match, without a doubt. From our perspective, he was simply unplayable. He bullied the Algerian defenders, scored the crucial opening goal with a brilliant header, and then provided the assist for the second. His physicality, movement, and clinical finishing were the difference. A world-class display.

Akor Adams - 8.0: He took his goal extremely well, showing great composure on the counter-attack. He worked tirelessly, held the ball up, and linked play effectively. Although he missed a couple of other chances, his goal was the decisive moment that sealed the win.

Substitutes

Moses Simon - 6.5: Came on and provided an assist for a blocked shot, looked lively.

Raphael Onyedika - 6.5: Replaced the injured Ndidi and helped see out the game with minimal fuss.

Manager

É. Chelle - 8.5: He got his tactics spot on. The team was disciplined in the first half and ruthless in the second. His side exploited Algeria's weaknesses perfectly, and the game plan worked to a tee. A fantastic coaching performance that secured a deserved place in the next round.

Man of the Match

Sportsdunia's player of the match goes to Victor Osimhen.

Worst Performer

Ramy Bensebaini had the worst performance in Algeria vs Nigeria AFCON clash.