Two goals in either half courtesy of striker Victor Osimhen, who set up the second from Akor Adams, ended Algeria’s journey in the 2025 edition. The Fennecs, who had reached the stage without losing a game, found themselves struggling against the Super Eagles.
Their journey in Morocco had started with a commanding 3-0 win against Sudan, followed by a 1-0 win against Burkina Faso before concluding their Group C campaign top of the pile with a 3-1 victory against Equatorial Guinea.
In the Round of 16, Algeria came up against DR Congo, whom they defeated 1-0 to qualify for the last eight. However, Algeria lacked sharpness and penetration to unsettle a disciplined and well-organised Nigerian defense.
Nigeria showed individual skills they possess
“I congratulate the Nigerian team, who deserved to win the match. The opponent played better than us. We couldn’t get into the game properly; we had to stay focused,” Petkovic said as quoted by CAF Media.
“I don’t want to go into too many details, but Nigeria was better than us. We were missing a lot of things. We wanted to control the game, but the opponent was strong and prevented us from doing so.
“The Nigerian team showed the individual skills they possess, and physically we were behind. We tried to come back in the second half, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted in attack.
“Our players are disappointed and devastated after the match. They performed well in this tournament. Now the competition is over, and another tournament is coming. We must keep our heads high after this exit.”
Algeria did everything to qualify
Petkovic sentiments were echoed by winger Riyad Mahrez, who said: “Ultimately, this is the truth; they were better than us, and that's part of football. We must now continue to work and move forward.”
Mahrez added: “We were a little late in our positioning, and perhaps we lacked balance. We faced a very strong team, and we didn't manage to keep possession of the ball in the first half in a way that would allow us to threaten them.
“We did everything we could to qualify, but we came up against a stronger team, and this happens in football.”
On the refereeing issues, Mahrez, who plays for Al-Ahli, explained: "Everyone saw what happened. Of course, we didn't lose because of this (the refereeing), but the referee was quick to show us yellow cards, while he didn't do the same with them (Nigeria).
“High-level football is decided by small details, but this is football.”
Nigeria, who will be making their 16th AFCON semi-final appearance, will face hosts Morocco. The Atlas Lions reached the stage following a 2-0 win against Cameroon.
The semis clash will be played at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday.
