Nigeria's national football team, the Super Eagles, have carved their name into the history books of the Africa Cup of Nations with a landmark achievement. On Saturday, January 10, 2026, they defeated Algeria 2-0 in a commanding quarterfinal display, securing a spot in the semi-finals and setting a unique tournament record.
Dominant Display Seals Historic Win
The match, played with high stakes, saw Eric Chelle's men produce a commanding performance against the Desert Foxes. Nigeria controlled the tempo for large periods, patiently waiting for their opportunities. The breakthrough came in the second half when star striker Victor Osimhen rose to head home a cross from Bruno Onyemaechi, putting the Super Eagles in the lead.
Osimhen then turned provider later in the game, setting up Akor Adams to seal a comfortable 2-0 victory. The win was built on a foundation of attacking flair and a solid, well-organised defensive structure that kept a previously unbeaten Algerian side at bay throughout the contest.
Unprecedented Five-Win Streak at AFCON 2025
This quarterfinal triumph was not just about progression; it was about making history. Nigeria became the first and only team to win all five of their matches at the 2025 AFCON tournament in Morocco, according to statistics from OptaJoe. Their flawless run started in the group stage with victories over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2), and Uganda (3-1), followed by a resounding 4-0 win against Mozambique in the Round of 16.
The numbers further underscore their dominance. The Super Eagles are the tournament's highest-scoring team with 14 goals in five games, boasting an impressive +10 goal difference, which is also the best record in the competition. This consistent offensive output and defensive solidity have firmly established Nigeria as formidable contenders for the title.
Road to Glory: Semi-Final Awaits
With the historic quarterfinal win secured, the Super Eagles now set their sights on an even bigger challenge: a semi-final clash against tournament hosts, Morocco. The team's confidence is soaring, fueled by an unbeaten run and a firing attacking trio. The entire nation now eagerly anticipates whether this record-setting squad can continue their journey and chase a coveted fourth AFCON title for Nigeria.
The victory sparked massive celebrations across the country, with fans flooding social media to praise the team's historic feat. One fan, Astra, celebrated online, writing: "African Giants for a reason! Super Eagles are finally living the hype!" Another, Stylez, boldly declared, "We're going for gold. Morocco already know they're playing for 3rd place by now."
In a lighter note preceding the match, a viral prediction came true. Nimbus Pronos, a cat that had correctly forecasted every Round of 16 result, chose Nigeria over Algeria in a now-famous video by picking the Nigerian-labeled bowl of food, much to the delight of superstitious supporters.
