Match report
Nigeria Defeats Algeria 2-0 in Africa Cup of Nations
Algeria
0–2
FT
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
-
15' Algeria Card · Yellow CardR. Zerrouki
Foul
-
28' Algeria Card · Yellow CardM. Amoura
Foul
-
47' Nigeria Goal · Normal GoalV. Osimhen · Assist: B. Onyemaechi
-
57' Nigeria Goal · Normal GoalA. Adams · Assist: V. Osimhen
-
60' Algeria subst · Substitution 1Off: R. Zerrouki · On: B. Bounedjah
-
60' Algeria subst · Substitution 2Off: R. Mahrez · On: A. Hadj Moussa
-
61' Algeria subst · Substitution 3Off: I. Maza · On: A. Boulbina
-
62' Algeria Card · Yellow CardR. Ait Nouri
Argument
-
67' Nigeria Card · Yellow CardWilfred Ndidi
Time wasting
-
68' Algeria Card · Yellow CardA. Hadj Moussa
Foul
-
69' Nigeria subst · Substitution 1Off: Wilfred Ndidi · On: Raphael Onyedika
-
69' Nigeria subst · Substitution 2Off: F. Onyeka · On: M. Simon
-
75' Algeria Card · Yellow CardHicham Boudaoui
Foul
-
81' Algeria subst · Substitution 4Off: Hicham Boudaoui · On: H. Abdelli
-
81' Algeria subst · Substitution 5Off: M. Amoura · On: R. Berkane
-
85' Nigeria Card · Yellow CardStanley Nwabali
Time wasting
-
86' Nigeria subst · Substitution 3Off: A. Adams · On: Chidozie Awaziem
-
86' Nigeria subst · Substitution 4Off: A. Lookman · On: F. Dele-Bashiru
-
90'+5 Nigeria subst · Substitution 5Off: Bright Osayi-Samuel · On: Igoh Ogbu
-
90'+9 Nigeria Card · Yellow CardM. 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.