Former captain William Troost-Ekong has showered praise on the current Super Eagles squad, labeling their 2-0 quarterfinal victory against Algeria as the team's finest performance at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations so far.
Ekong's Heartfelt Message to the Eagles
Despite retiring from international football just before the tournament kicked off, Troost-Ekong's passion for the national team remains undimmed. The defender, who led Nigeria to a silver medal in 2023, watched with immense pride as the team secured a commanding win on Saturday, January 10, 2026.
In a message to Soccernet, Ekong expressed his admiration, stating it was a "top performance from the whole team!" He added, "Best I’ve seen the boys play and growing game by game. Still my favourites to win." His endorsement carries significant weight given his deep understanding of the pressures inherent in AFCON knockout stages.
How Nigeria Dominated the Desert Foxes
The match began as a tense, tactical battle. Algeria's compact setup succeeded in limiting clear chances for Nigeria's attackers, including Victor Osimhen, Akor Adams, and Ademola Lookman, during a goalless first half.
The game transformed dramatically after the break. Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock just two minutes into the second half, powerfully heading home a pinpoint cross from Bruno Onyemaechi for his fourth goal of the tournament.
Nigeria doubled their lead ten minutes later. Osimhen turned provider, slipping a clever pass to Akor Adams, who calmly rounded goalkeeper Luca Zidane before slotting into an empty net. The two-goal cushion allowed Nigeria to control the remainder of the match with a disciplined and compact defensive display, extending their unbeaten run and securing a second consecutive clean sheet.
Morocco Awaits in High-Stakes Semifinal
This victory books Nigeria's place in their 16th AFCON semifinal, where a monumental challenge awaits. The Super Eagles will face tournament hosts Morocco in Marrakesh, with a spot in the final on the line.
Chasing a fourth continental title after triumphs in 1980, 1994, and 2013, Nigeria's path is now blocked by a formidable Moroccan side buoyed by home support. The team's momentum, however, is undeniable, with performances visibly improving each round, just as Troost-Ekong observed.
The buildup to the semifinal has been slightly marred by news of a key player missing the clash due to a combination of injury and suspension, presenting an early setback for the Nigerian camp as they prepare for the daunting trip to face the hosts.
