Newsletters
Victor Osimhen dismissed questions about breaking Nigeria's all-time scoring record after leading the Super Eagles to a 2-0 victory over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, saying his sole focus remains winning the tournament for his country.
The Galatasaray striker scored the opening goal and provided an assist in Saturday's dominant performance at Marrakesh, moving within two goals of matching the late Rashidi Yekini's national record of 37 goals. Despite his 35th international goal in 51 appearances, Osimhen deflected attention from the milestone.
"I have said countless times that it doesn't matter if I equal or surpass the record," Osimhen said. "Rashidi Yekini is the best striker the Super Eagles have ever produced and for me I just try to do my best for the team."
Nigeria dominated proceedings before a crowd of 32,452 overwhelmingly supporting Algeria at a stadium backed by the Atlas Mountains. After a goalless first half featuring multiple missed chances, including Akor Adams blazing over from close range in the 37th minute, the Super Eagles broke through shortly after the restart.
Bruno Onyemaechi's deep cross from the left found Osimhen at the back post, and the masked forward headed low into the net for his fourth goal in four AFCON matches. Before the hour mark, Osimhen turned provider, releasing Adams in behind before the Sevilla striker rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane to secure the victory.
The win extends Nigeria's perfect record at the tournament to five matches with 14 goals scored, making them the competition's top scorers. The performance represented a sharp turnaround from their failed World Cup qualifying campaign, which ended with a penalty shootout defeat to the Democratic Republic of Congo in Rabat in November.
Nigeria will return to Rabat on Wednesday to face tournament hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, where an even more hostile atmosphere awaits. Coach Eric Chelle, who took over the Nigerian side following their World Cup qualifying disappointment, acknowledged the challenge ahead.
"Morocco are a great side. It's not easy when you are host country because there is a lot of pressure," said Chelle, who praised his team's developing identity. "All I hope is that it is a great game between two great teams, and that the best team wins."
The Malian coach expressed satisfaction with his side's clinical finishing in the second half after Nigeria squandered numerous first-half opportunities. Calvin Bassey nearly broke the deadlock before halftime when Luca Zidane misjudged an Ademola Lookman free kick, but Ramy Bensebaini hooked the ball off the line.
Algeria's formidable attacking trio of Riyad Mahrez, Ibrahim Maza and Mohamed Amoura failed to register a single shot in the opening 45 minutes. Manager Vladimir Petkovic conceded his team was outplayed, comparing them to "a boxer taking punches while on the ground."
1 min read
The 27-year-old Osimhen, who has scored nine times in his last eight international appearances, emphasized that individual accolades pale in comparison to team success. The 2023 African player of the year has rediscovered his scoring touch after a seven-match AFCON drought that ended against Tunisia in the group stage.
"I have so much confidence in the way I play with the help of my teammates, but for me it is not about the goals or assists, it is just about winning something with this squad," Osimhen said after collecting the man-of-the-match award.
Nigeria, runners-up at the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast, are seeking their fourth continental title. Yekini's record has stood since the legendary striker helped Nigeria win the 1994 AFCON and represented the country at two World Cups before his death.
Tensions flared between the teams at full-time, but Nigeria's focus now shifts to Wednesday's semi-final challenge in Rabat, where they hope to continue what Chelle called their "positive dynamic" toward championship glory.
Set as preferred source
1 min read
