Super Eagles defender, Bright Osayi-Samuel, has said Algeria were intimidated by Nigeria’s intensity during Saturday’s AFCON 2025 quarter-final clash in Marrakech.
Nigeria took another confident step toward a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Desert Foxes, courtesy of goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.
From start to finish, the Super Eagles were in complete control, outplaying and outthinking their opponents, who failed to record a single shot on target throughout the match.
Both sides had come into the encounter in fine form, having won all four of their previous games at the tournament, but the gap in performance on the night was clear.
Speaking to journalists after the match, Osayi-Samuel said, “I think it’s the way we are playing, I thought like Algeria were scared of us and we obviously knew that and we took advantage of that and the game was perfect. They didn’t have one shot on target, a team that scores a lot of goals, so clean sheet, two goals perfect night.”
AFCON 2019 Heartbreak Still Fresh
The Fenerbahçe full-back also reflected on Nigeria’s painful 2019 AFCON semi-final defeat to Algeria, sealed by a late Riyad Mahrez free kick.
“It was painful, though I wasn’t there but I watched the game when Mahrez scored that free kick, it was painful. But this time it was a complete different game, dominated the game. Like I said they didn’t have a shot on target and I really enjoyed it.”
Morocco Will Be Wary
Looking ahead to Wednesday’s semi-final against hosts Morocco, Osayi-Samuel believes Nigeria’s statement performance will not go unnoticed.
“It was a statement win and I think Morocco will be thinking twice against us but they have their strength too, they have a player that have been scoring in each game, they have great players but we just focus on ourselves, keep playing what we are playing an I’m sure we will beat Morocco.”
Chance to Prove Himself
The former QPR defender also spoke about his own display, describing matches like this as opportunities to silence doubters.
“Firstly I prayed to God for him to give me the energy to showcase my ability. Like I said earlier I think a lot of people sleep on me, it’s okay, but it’s games like this I have to show people how good I can be.
“I played well the team played well, of course this is not the final, we have Morocco now so it’s another opportunity for me to show my ability.”
Nigeria will now turn full attention to the semi-final showdown as they continue their push for continental glory.
