AFCON 2025: Nigeria deserved to win; Eagles hit us left, right, says Algeria coach
Algeria head coach Vladimir Petkovic has admitted that Nigeria’s Super Eagles deserved the 2-0 victory over his team in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash at the Marrakech Stadium on Saturday.
Nigeria dominated the match from start to finish as second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams secured the West African nation’s spot in the final four of the tournament in Morocco.
Addressing reporters at the post-match conference, Petkovic, whose team had neither lost nor conceded a goal before facing the Super Eagles in the tournament, acknowledged that Nigeria completely dominated Algeria throughout the match.
“Do I have to tell the truth, or should I be political (about the match)? Nigeria deserved to win this match,” Petkovic said. “They were better than us. It was difficult to get into this match. We were hit left and right.”
Nigeria will face host nation Morocco for a place in the tournament final in a high-profile clash at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
Speaking after receiving his man of the match award after scoring and assisting Algeria, Osimhen said Nigeria earned the victory, warning that the Super Eagles are not scared of any opponent ahead of the semifinal match-up against Morocco.
“We know they (Morocco) have a lot of quality players and a lot of support in front of their massive crowds, of course, but I don’t think we are the kind of team that is timid about any opponents. We will give our absolute best and try to win,” he said.
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