ABEOKUTA – Nigeria’s Super Eagles have made history with their 16th semi-final appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after defeating Algeria 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
The Super Eagles, led by coach Eric Chelle, secured their spot in the semi-finals with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. This marks Nigeria’s 16th semi-final appearance in the tournament, a joint-record in AFCON history.
Nigeria’s previous semi-final appearances were in 1976 where they finished third and repeated same feat in 1978.
In 1980, they lost to Algeria in the final and 1984, they lost to Cameroon in the semi-finals.
In 1988, what could have been a revenge of 1980, the Green Eagles lost to Algeria on penalties again.
Two years after in 1990, the Eagles lost to Desert Foxes of Algeria in the final
Other semi-final appearances of the Super Eagles are in 1992 (finished third), 1994 (Won the tournament), 2000 lost to Cameroon in the final, 2002 (finished third), 2004 lost to Tunisia on penalties.
2006 finished third, 2010 finished third, 2013 Won the tournament, 2019 finished third, 2025 Defeated Algeria 2-0 to reach semi-finals.
The Super Eagles will face hosts Morocco in the semi-finals, after Morocco defeated Cameroon 2-0 in the quarter-finals.
