Match report

Nigeria Defeats Algeria 2-0 in Africa Cup of Nations

Algeria
Algeria
0–2
FT
Nigeria
Nigeria
Jan 10, 2026

Nigeria stunned Algeria with a 2-0 victory in their Africa Cup of Nations clash, thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen and Abdulrahman Adams. Algeria struggled defensively and saw multiple players booked, while Nigeria capitalized on their chances to secure the win.

Key Facts

  • Victor Osimhen scored the opening goal for Nigeria in the 47th minute.
  • Abdulrahman Adams extended Nigeria's lead in the 57th minute.
  • R. Zerrouki and M. Amoura were both shown yellow cards for Algeria in the first half.
  • Algeria made multiple substitutions in the second half, including R. Mahrez being replaced.
  • Nigeria's Wilfred Ndidi was also booked for time-wasting.

Lineups

Algeria

Formation: 4-2-3-1

Starting XI

  • 23 L. Zidane (G)
  • 25 R. Belghali (D)
  • 2 A. Mandi (D)
  • 21 R. Bensebaini (D)
  • 15 R. Ait Nouri (D)
  • 14 H. Boudaoui (M)
  • 6 R. Zerrouki (M)
  • 7 R. Mahrez (M)
  • 22 I. Maza (M)
  • 17 F. Chaibi (M)
  • 18 M. Amoura (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 O. Benbot
  • 1 A. Mandrea
  • 20 Y. Atal
  • 5 Z. Belaid
  • 3 M. Dorval
  • 8 H. Abdelli
  • 27 A. Boulbina
  • 24 I. Kebbal
  • 19 A. Zorgane
  • 12 M. Bakrar
  • 28 R. Berkane
  • 9 B. Bounedjah
  • 11 A. Hadj Moussa

Nigeria

Formation: 4-3-1-2

Starting XI

  • 23 S. Nwabali (G)
  • 2 B. Osayi-Samuel (D)
  • 6 S. Ajayi (D)
  • 21 C. Bassey (D)
  • 13 B. Onyemaechi (D)
  • 8 F. Onyeka (M)
  • 4 W. Ndidi (M)
  • 17 A. Iwobi (M)
  • 7 A. Lookman (M)
  • 9 V. Osimhen (F)
  • 22 A. Adams (F)

Substitutes

  • 16 A. Obasogie
  • 1 F. Uzoho
  • 20 C. Awaziem
  • 5 I. Ogbu
  • 3 Zaidu
  • 26 E. Akinsanmiro
  • 10 F. Dele-Bashiru
  • 28 T. Nnadi
  • 18 R. Onyedika
  • 14 U. Mohammed
  • 11 S. Chukwueze
  • 24 C. Ejuke
  • 25 S. Lawal
  • 19 P. Onuachu
  • 15 M. Simon

Timeline

  1. Algeria
    15' Algeria Card · Yellow Card
    R. Zerrouki

    Foul

  2. Algeria
    28' Algeria Card · Yellow Card
    M. Amoura

    Foul

  3. Nigeria
    47' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    V. Osimhen · Assist: B. Onyemaechi
  4. Nigeria
    57' Nigeria Goal · Normal Goal
    A. Adams · Assist: V. Osimhen
  5. Algeria
    60' Algeria subst · Substitution 1
    Off: R. Zerrouki · On: B. Bounedjah
  6. Algeria
    60' Algeria subst · Substitution 2
    Off: R. Mahrez · On: A. Hadj Moussa
  7. Algeria
    61' Algeria subst · Substitution 3
    Off: I. Maza · On: A. Boulbina
  8. Algeria
    62' Algeria Card · Yellow Card
    R. Ait Nouri

    Argument

  9. Nigeria
    67' Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    Wilfred Ndidi

    Time wasting

  10. Algeria
    68' Algeria Card · Yellow Card
    A. Hadj Moussa

    Foul

  11. Nigeria
    69' Nigeria subst · Substitution 1
    Off: Wilfred Ndidi · On: Raphael Onyedika
  12. Nigeria
    69' Nigeria subst · Substitution 2
    Off: F. Onyeka · On: M. Simon
  13. Algeria
    75' Algeria Card · Yellow Card
    Hicham Boudaoui

    Foul

  14. Algeria
    81' Algeria subst · Substitution 4
    Off: Hicham Boudaoui · On: H. Abdelli
  15. Algeria
    81' Algeria subst · Substitution 5
    Off: M. Amoura · On: R. Berkane
  16. Nigeria
    85' Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    Stanley Nwabali

    Time wasting

  17. Nigeria
    86' Nigeria subst · Substitution 3
    Off: A. Adams · On: Chidozie Awaziem
  18. Nigeria
    86' Nigeria subst · Substitution 4
    Off: A. Lookman · On: F. Dele-Bashiru
  19. Nigeria
    90'+5 Nigeria subst · Substitution 5
    Off: Bright Osayi-Samuel · On: Igoh Ogbu
  20. Nigeria
    90'+9 Nigeria Card · Yellow Card
    M. Simon

    Argument

Match Stats

Stat Algeria Nigeria
Fouls 23 14
Pass Accuracy 77% 83%
Offsides 2 2
Red Cards
Total Shots 3 13
Corners 2 4
Total Passes 308 413
Yellow Cards 5 3
Blocked Shots 1 1
Shots on Target 0 5
xG
Shots off Target 2 7
Possession 43% 57%
Goals Prevented
Accurate Passes 236 343
Shots Inside Box 2 12
Saves 3 0
Shots Outside Box 1 1

Key Match Notes

  • Osimhen's goal in the 47th minute broke the deadlock and gave Nigeria a crucial lead.
  • Adams' goal in the 57th minute effectively sealed the victory for Nigeria, dampening Algeria's hopes.