Algeria’s head coach Vladimir Petkovic admitted that Nigeria thoroughly deserved their commanding 2-0 victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 quarter-final clash at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday.
The Super Eagles delivered a dominant performance to advance to the semi-finals, with goals from Victor Osimhen early in the second half and Akor Adams minutes later. The victory came against an Algerian side that had been defensively solid throughout the tournament, conceding just one goal before facing Nigeria.
“Do I have to tell the truth or should I be political?” Petkovic said candidly at his post-match press conference. “Nigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us. It was difficult to get into this match. We were hit left and right.”
The Algerian coach praised his players for their overall tournament performance despite the elimination. He acknowledged that Nigeria’s relentless attacking pressure overwhelmed the Desert Foxes from the first half, leaving them unable to mount an effective response.
Nigeria will now face tournament hosts Morocco in what promises to be a thrilling semi-final encounter in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14. The Super Eagles are chasing a record-extending fourth AFCON title.
