Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković acknowledged Nigeria’s dominance following his side’s 2–0 defeat to the Super Eagles in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final at the Stade de Marrakech, played in front of 32,452 spectators.
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed Nigeria’s progression to the semi-finals, and Petković was forthright in his assessment of the contest, conceding that his team were second best on the night.
“Do I have to tell the truth or should I be political?” Petković said in his post-match press conference. “Nigeria deserved to win this match. They were better than us. It was difficult to get into the game… we were hit left and right.”
The Algerian coach pointed to several factors that contributed to his side’s struggles, including Nigeria’s physical intensity and tactical discipline, which restricted Algeria’s attacking rhythm.
“We were lacking in several areas,” he continued. “They didn’t allow us to dribble, they closed the spaces very well. There were some difficult refereeing decisions, but our opponent was particularly strong and showed their quality.”
Petković also referenced fatigue from Algeria’s demanding Round of 16 encounter, admitting his players were not at their physical peak.
“Physically, we were tired because of the last match, which was very tense,” he said. “Against a team like Nigeria, if you are not at 100 percent, it becomes very difficult.”
Nigeria’s organised pressing, aerial dominance and efficiency in front of goal proved decisive, with Osimhen leading the line authoritatively and Adams delivering the second-half knockout blow.
The result ends Algeria’s AFCON 2025 campaign at the quarter-final stage, while Nigeria march on to the semi-finals with growing confidence and momentum as they continue their pursuit of a fourth continental title
