Following their elimination from the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has admitted that Nigeria fully deserved their 2–0 victory in Saturday’s quarter-final clash in Marrakesh.
Both sides entered the encounter as the most in-form teams at the tournament, having won all four of their previous matches. However, while the Super Eagles boasted the competition’s most potent attack with 12 goals scored, the Desert Warriors had conceded just once before the game.
Nigeria dominated the first half but failed to convert their superiority into goals. That changed just two minutes after the restart, when Victor Osimhen powered home a well-directed header in the 47th minute, connecting brilliantly with a pinpoint cross from left-back Bruno Onyemaechi.
Osimhen later turned provider, selflessly setting up Akor Adams to double Nigeria’s advantage in the 57th minute.
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Algeria struggled to impose itself throughout the contest as the Super Eagles controlled proceedings from start to finish. Nigeria enjoyed the bulk of possession (57%–43%) and restricted the North Africans to just three shots over 90 minutes, none of which tested the goalkeeper.
Speaking at his post-match press conference, Petković conceded that Nigeria were the superior side and never allowed his team to settle into the game.
“Congratulations to Nigeria, they were better than us,” the Bosnian manager said. “In the first half we were too scattered; in the second half it was a bit better.
“We were missing several things. They didn’t let us dribble. Some refereeing decisions weren’t easy, but our opponent was particularly strong and showed their quality.”
Some Algerian fans felt their side should have been awarded a first-half penalty after the ball struck Super Eagles defender Semi Ajayi on the arm. However, Petković declined to dwell on the incident.
“I don’t want to comment on the referee’s match because it’s pointless, but if you watch what happened in the first half, you’ll understand.”
The Super Eagles will now face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, with the clash scheduled for next Wednesday at the 53,000-capacity Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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