Nigeria eliminates Algeria from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, ending Mahrez's career
The Algerian national team bid farewell to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, currently being held in Morocco, after suffering a heavy 2-0 defeat against Nigeria in a quarter-final match played at Marrakech Stadium on Saturday evening. This loss ended the "Desert Warriors'" hopes of reclaiming the continental title, amidst a dramatic atmosphere that characterized the match.
A collapse in 10 crucial minutes
Despite the Algerian team's solid defense in the first half, the second half began with a completely different scenario. Star player Victor Osimhen broke through the Algerian defense early, specifically in the 47th minute, capitalizing on a perfectly placed cross from the left wing with a powerful header that found the back of goalkeeper Luca Zidane's net, giving Nigeria the first goal.
No sooner had the Algerian team recovered from the shock of the first goal than the "Green Eagles" continued their relentless attacking pressure. Osimhen returned to his role as playmaker in the 57th minute, delivering a decisive pass to his teammate Akor Adams, who skillfully dribbled past the Algerian goalkeeper before slotting the ball into the net, widening the gap and making the task even more difficult for the Greens.
The end of the era of captain Riyad Mahrez
The match held special emotional significance for Algerian fans, as it marked the final appearance of national team captain and Al-Ahli Saudi star Riyad Mahrez in the Africa Cup of Nations. Mahrez had previously announced that the 2025 edition in Morocco would be his last in the continental tournament, thus concluding a remarkable career that included his historic title win in 2019 in Egypt.
Despite this continental farewell, Mahrez confirmed his commitment to continuing international play to contribute to his country's qualification for the 2026 World Cup finals, scheduled to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, giving fans hope of seeing his magic again on the global stage.
Clash of the Titans and the Challenge of the Homeland
With this well-deserved victory, the Nigerian national team, aiming for their fourth title in the tournament's history, secured a fiery semi-final clash. The Super Eagles will face a formidable test next Wednesday in Rabat, where they will clash with the host nation, Morocco, in a match dubbed an "early final" of the tournament.
This highly anticipated match is of great importance on the continental level, as it brings together two traditional football powers in Africa, amid great international anticipation to see which side will succeed in securing its place in the final match of the thirty-fifth edition of the tournament.
