Chelle’s tactical setup, Osayi’s determination and other takeaways from Nigeria’s 2-0 win against Algeria

It was a surprisingly smooth sail for the Super Eagles of Nigeria at Stade de Marrakech as they sealed a 2-0 win over the Fennec Foxes of Algeria, Soccernet.ng reports.

A flurry of missed chances summarised the first half for Eric Chelle, but a spirited second-half performance saw them overcome Vladimir Petkovic's side.

Victor Osimhen broke the deadlock in the 47th minute, heading home from Bruno Onyemaechi's beautiful cross to score his fourth AFCON 2025 goal.

GOOOOOAAAAAALLLL
NIGERIA FINALLY TAKE THE LEAD AND ITS OSIMHEN ⚽️
1 Nilll#AFCON2025 #AFCON pic.twitter.com/VYSRnDxn0H

— Super Eagles Supporters Club (@official_esclub) January 10, 2026

The Galatasaray striker turned provider for Akor Adams ten minutes later. A defence-splicing pass from Alex Iwobi set Osimhen on his way, but the ex-Napoli man selflessly laid the ball into Adams' path, who cut past Zidane before placing the ball into an empty net.

The break is made by Nigeria!

Akor Adams scores the 2-0 goal on a nice serve from Victor Osimhen! pic.twitter.com/V983vnIOcI

— ✞ (@spxtrends) January 10, 2026

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Takeaways from Nigeria's 2-0 win against Algeria

1. The Super Eagles are gunning for the AFCON 2025 title

Many expected Algeria to be Nigeria's toughest fixture in Morocco, but Eric Chelle's side took the game in their stride.

The scoreline looked amicable simply because the Super Eagles weren't as proficient in front of goal. Up until the 75th minute, Algeria didn't have any shots, on or off target.

The performance was superb defensively and offensively, a statement of intent to show other nations they can get the job done on both ends.

2. Bright Osayi-Samuel, Bruno Onyemaechi were brilliant against Algeria

The Super Eagles full-backs were brilliant in defence and in attack. For Onyemaechi, his brilliant cross setup Victor Osimhen's header, while Osayi's runs in attack aided in making the pitch as wide as possible.

Defensively, the Birmingham City right-back won 70% of the duels he was engaged in. He was also the most fouled player on the pitch, showing he was a real thorn in the flesh of the Algerians.

Considering Ola Aina and Benjamin Frederick missed out on the AFCON 2025 via injuries, Osayi-Samuel has done a good job stepping up for the team.

3. Eric Chelle's structure brings out the best from the players

Players like Alex Iwobi were bashed during the previous AFCON tournament in Ivory Coast because they underperformed.

Enter Eric Chelle. The system employed by the Franco-Malian has transformed the three-time AFCON winners, bringing the best from each player.

Under Chelle, Lookman, Akor Adams, Bassey, Osimhen and Iwobi are all thriving. He's also coordinated the team in such a way that if the starters are not at their best, there's a squad that can come from the bench to change the game.

4. Alex Iwobi's passing excellence

Like always, the Fulham man might not be at the end of things in the opposition box, but he made the team tick.

His pass to Bruno Onyemaechi led to the team's opening goal, while the pass to Victor Osimhen for Akor Adams' goal also came from the ex-Arsenal man.

5. Osimhen's calmer demeanour

After marring a brilliant performance against Mozambique by walking off the pitch, the Galatasaray striker stepped up maturely against Algeria.

Osimhen scored the opener in Marrakech and then set up Akor Adams for the second goal, before taking the captain's armband when Wilfred Ndidi was taken off after picking up a knock.