MARRAKESH MASTERCLASS: Super Eagles Player Ratings In Clinical 2-0 Win Over Algeria

It was a masterclass in Marrakesh as the Super Eagles clipped the wings of the Desert Foxes to soar into the AFCON 2025 semi-finals. After a tense first half, Nigeria turned on the style in the second period, with Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams providing the clinical edge required to dispatch Algeria 2-0.

Here are the player ratings for the Super Eagles’ dominant quarter-final performance, as they prepare for a heavyweight semi-final clash against hosts Morocco.

Super Eagles Player Ratings: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria

The Defense

● Stanley Nwabali (6.5/10): A largely spectator role for the Chippa United man. He handled the few high balls with his trademark composure and organized his wall well during Algeria’s infrequent set-pieces. He suffered a late knock but stayed on to secure the clean sheet.

● Bright Osayi-Samuel (8/10): Relentless energy down the right flank. He won several tactical fouls that broke Algeria’s rhythm and was nearly impossible to bypass in 1-on-1 situations.

● Semi Ajayi (7.0/10): A “quietly efficient” night. He maintained a high line and stayed concentrated, ensuring Mohamed Amoura had no room to breathe.

● Calvin Bassey (8.0/10): The defensive heartbeat of the team. Bassey’s recovery pace and crucial interceptions in the 64th minute prevented a potential Algerian resurgence. He was the “Rock of Gibraltar” in Marrakesh.

● Bruno Onyemaechi (8.0/10): Perhaps his best game in a green-and-white jersey. His pinpoint cross for Osimhen’s opener was world-class, and he kept Riyad Mahrez completely in his pocket until the Algerian legend was subbed off.

The Midfield

● Wilfred Ndidi (7.0/10): The “General” patrolled the middle of the park with authority. He broke up play effectively and allowed Nigeria’s creative players the freedom to roam.

● Frank Onyeka (7.5/10): His work rate was infectious. Onyeka covered every blade of grass, providing the physical presence needed to unsettle the Algerian midfield trio of Zerrouki, Boudaoui, and Chaibi.

● Alex Iwobi (8.5/10): The creative hub. Iwobi’s transition from defense to attack was seamless. He dictated the tempo of the game and was instrumental in the buildup to the second goal. A truly “magnificent” display of midfield control.

The Attack

● Ademola Lookman (7.5/10): A constant thorn in the side of the Algerian defense. His drifting runs between the lines pulled the Desert Foxes out of position, creating the spaces that Osimhen and Adams eventually exploited.

● Akor Adams (8.0/10): Redeemed himself after a first-half miss. His movement was excellent, and his finish for the second goal, rounding Luca Zidane was clinical. He showed great chemistry with Osimhen and was unlucky not to grab a second after hitting the post late on.

● Victor Osimhen (9.5/10 – Man of the Match): A beautiful performance in every sense. He broke the deadlock with a brilliant header and then turned provider for Adams with an unselfish square ball. His leadership and work rate were the catalysts for this victory.

The Substitutes

● Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (N/A): Came on in the 86th minute to add fresh legs.

● Chidozie Awaziem (N/A): Late defensive substitution to see out the game.

● Igoh Ogbu (N/A): Introduced in stoppage time for Osayi-Samuel.

The Verdict

Nigeria looks like a team on a mission. The tactical discipline shown by Eric Chelle’s side, combined with the lethal form of the Osimhen-Adams duo, makes them favorites heading into the semi-finals.

Next Stop: A mouth-watering semi-final against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14.