….Osayi-Samuel happy to avenge 2019 loss
Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel believes Algeria were intimidated by Nigeria and says he was delighted that the team capitalised on that fear to deliver one of their best performances at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, sealing a 2–0 quarter-final victory and a place in the semi-finals.
Nigeria and Algeria were the only two teams in the tournament to boast a 100 per cent win record heading into the clash, with fans and pundits widely predicting a blockbuster encounter.
However, the anticipated spectacle failed to materialise as the Super Eagles dominated the match from start to finish. Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams secured a comfortable win and booked Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals, where they will face hosts Morocco.
The North Africans were no match for Nigeria on the night, with Osayi-Samuel delivering one of his finest performances in a Super Eagles shirt. The right-back was arguably one of Nigeria’s standout players, excelling defensively while contributing going forward.
More Read
Speaking after the game, the Birmingham City defender revealed he sensed fear in the Algerian camp from the opening moments and was pleased that Nigeria took full advantage.
“I feel Algeria were scared of us and we obviously knew it and took advantage of that,” Osayi-Samuel said, per Ademola Victor TV.
“It was a perfect day. They didn’t have a single shot on target for a team that scores a lot of goals. A clean sheet and two goals – I think it was a perfect night.”
Despite his impressive display, Osayi-Samuel missed out on the Man of the Match award, which went to Victor Osimhen following his goal-and-assist performance that tormented the Algerian defence. The 28-year-old admitted that he feels underestimated but said nights like this allow him to prove his quality.
“I prayed to God to give me the energy to showcase my ability,” he said. “A lot of people sleep on me, which is okay, but games like this are when I can show people how good I can be.
“I played well, the team played well, but this is not the final. We have Morocco next, and it’s another opportunity for me to show my ability. I really enjoyed the game.”
Osayi-Samuel also expressed satisfaction that the victory served as a measure of revenge for Nigeria’s painful semi-final defeat to Algeria at the 2019 AFCON, a tournament the North Africans eventually won.
“Of course, it was painful,” he added. “I wasn’t there, but I watched the game. When Riyad Mahrez scored that free kick, it really hurt. But this time it was completely different – we dominated the game, they didn’t have a shot on target, and I really enjoyed it.”
© Bold Sports Media. All rights reserved. If sharing, kindly credit Bold Sports as the source and include a link to the original post. Unauthorised use is prohibited.
