Nigeria’s Super Eagles are the only team with a perfect record of five wins from five games at the 2025 AFCON
Blackburn Rovers defender Bright Osayi-Samuel is convinced fear played a key role in Algeria’s defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Soccernet.ng reports.
Nigeria marched into the semi-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations with a performance of authority, composure and control, as the Super Eagles swept aside Algeria 2-0 in a quarter-final that never matched its billing.
In a tournament clash billed as a heavyweight contest between two perfect records, it was Nigeria who looked every inch the champions-in-waiting.
Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored the goals that ended Algeria’s campaign, but the real story of the night was the sheer dominance of the Super Eagles, who suffocated their opponents, controlled the rhythm, and did not allow the North Africans a single shot on target.
And according to right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel, that control began long before the first goal was scored.
“I feel Algeria were scared of us and we obviously knew it and took advantage of that,” Osayi-Samuel said.
“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.”
Nigeria and Algeria arrived as the only two teams with 100 per cent records in the tournament, but the contest was one-sided. Osayi-Samuel, outstanding on the right flank, was a constant presence: strong in the tackle, calm in possession, and aggressive in his forward runs.
Despite missing out on the official Man of the Match award to Osimhen, who recorded a goal and an assist, the Birmingham City defender delivered one of his finest performances in a Super Eagles shirt.
“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.”
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Osayi-Samuel pleased with Nigeria revenge against Algeria
The victory also carried emotional weight. Algeria had broken Nigerian hearts in the semi-final of the 2019 AFCON, a match decided by Riyad Mahrez’s late free kick.
“Of course, it was painful,” Osayi-Samuel 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.”
Osayi-Samuel was joint-highest rated Nigerian on SofaScore after recording three tackles, two clearances, one blocked shot, seven recoveries and winning seven of ten ground duels. He completed 27 of 30 passes, including 19 of 21 in the opposition half, and delivered three crosses; one of them finding its target.
He played 89 minutes before being replaced by Igoh Ogbu, though there was brief concern late on when he was seen holding his legs.
His importance has only grown in this tournament. With Ola Aina and Benjamin Fredrick sidelined by injury, Osayi-Samuel has provided both balance and thrust on Nigeria’s right side, helping preserve the team’s shape while still offering attacking drive.
Next comes the ultimate test: hosts Morocco, in Rabat, on Wednesday; with a place in the final and a shot at Nigeria’s fourth AFCON title on the line.
