First-Half Stalemate in Marrakech: Super Eagles Dominance Thwarted by Stoic Algeria

The first half of the high-stakes AFCON 2025 quarter-final between Nigeria and Algeria ended 0-0 at the Stade de Marrakech. Nigeria dominated proceedings, leveraging a high-intensity press that pinned Algeria deep in their half. Despite managing six shots on goal and forcing two heroic goal-line clearances by Ramy Bensebaini, the Super Eagles were unable to find the net.

Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams missed crucial opportunities, while Ademola Lookman’s creative spark kept the Algerian defense under constant pressure. Algeria, missing the injured Ismael Bennacer, relied on the reflexes of goalkeeper Luca Zidane and Bensebaini’s positioning to maintain the deadlock. While Nigeria enjoyed superior possession and appeared the more threatening side, the Desert Foxes’ clinical defensive organization remained impenetrable.

The half saw three bookings—Ramiz Zerrouki and Mohamed Amoura for Algeria, and Bruno Onyemaechi for Nigeria—reflecting the match’s intense physicality. Both teams head into the break knowing the next 45 minutes will decide a semi-final berth against Morocco.