Osimhen focused on team achievements after guiding Nigeria to AFCON semis

Victor Osimhen played a starring role in Nigeria’s 2-0 win over Algeria in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals but insisted he is not focused on personal achievements.

Osimhen scored Nigeria’s opening goal 84 seconds into the second half before teeing up Akor Adams for their second 10 minutes later to continue their perfect run at the tournament.

The Super Eagles are the only team to have won all five of their matches at the 2025 AFCON, while they have netted 14 goals in total, their best return in a single edition.

Osimhen has scored three goals in his last two AFCON appearances, one more than in his first 11, while three of his last five at the tournament have been headers.

But the forward was quick to praise the team’s performance as a whole as they booked their place in a 16th AFCON semi-final, in which they will meet hosts Morocco.

“I scored a goal and provided an assist, but we shouldn’t focus on my personal performance; we should focus on the team effort of the national team,” he said.

“We won against a good Algerian team that has talented players.

Hello Final Four pic.twitter.com/EmRs6G30PY

— Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 10, 2026

“For me, I was involved in the game, reflecting on my experience in the previous Africa Cup of Nations. It’s not just about scoring decisive goals, but about how we influence the game and contribute to the victory.

“That’s what matters most in the national team. I always strive to improve myself, both mentally and physically.”

As for Algeria, they have fallen at the quarter-final hurdle for the fifth time; only Tunisia (seven) and DR Congo (six) have been eliminated at this stage on more occasions.

It was a disappointing attacking display that cost Algeria, who attempted just three shots worth 0.1 expected goals (xG), with none of those testing Stanley Nwabali.

“The opponent played better than us,” head coach Vladimir Petkovic said. “We couldn’t get into the game properly; we had to stay focused.

“I don’t want to go into too many details, but Nigeria was better than us. We were missing a lot of things. We wanted to control the game, but the opponent was strong and prevented us from doing so.

“The Nigerian team showed the individual skills they possess, and physically, we were behind. We tried to come back in the second half, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted in attack.

“Our players are disappointed and devastated after the match. They performed well in this tournament. Now the competition is over, and another tournament is coming. We must keep our heads high after this exit.”