Super Eagles defender Bright Osayi-Samuel in an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa praised the team’s performance after they eased to a dominant 2-0 win over Algeria on Saturday.
Nigeria overcame the North African side in their quarterfinal affair at the ongoing African Cup of Nations tournament in Morocco to advance to the semifinals of the tournament.
“We focused on ourselves, I think the way we play, the formation and how we play and I think today especially Algeria didn’t play the way that they played against other teams because they faced a team that is possession based”, the Birmingham City right-back revealed exclusively to Footy-Africa after the match.
“Our physicality was great today, they didn’t have a shot on target for a team that scores a lot of goals, so we know our strengths and we just focused on them.”
Osayi-Samuel enjoyed a very impressive game on the right side of the Nigerian defence, keeping the likes of Riyad Mahrez and his cohorts at bay in the clash.
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Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams got the goals for Nigeria in a one-sided affair, although the scoreline could have been much bigger as they wasted several chances to score more goals.
“I think the fact that we are making chances is what is important and we converted two against a team that has only conceded one so it’s a great day”, he continued.
Osayi-Samuel enjoyed one of his best performances in a Nigerian shirt, but came off late in the game due to injury.
However, he played down fears of a serious problem and revealed he would be ready for the semifinal clash.
“No, I had cramps, my toes were cold and I couldn’t lift them but I’ll be absolutely fine. He punched my face, he hit my face. I overreacted we were winning 2-0 so I should have just ignored it. I overreacted but its football you know”, Osayi-Samuel explained his involvement in a post-match melee that occurred after the clash.
Akor Adams took Psalm 23:2 to another level
— 🇳🇬 Super Eagles (@NGSuperEagles) January 10, 2026
Nigeria will now face Morocco in the last four on Wednesday, as they hope to reach the final after an impressive tournament.
They suffered a 2-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in the final of the 2023 edition, which was also their last game against the host nation at the tournament and the Super Eagles defender expects a different ball game entirely this time around.
“I mean to be fair, the Moroccans have supported us greatly and now we are playing their country. For us as players, it doesn’t affect us, we know what’s at stake and what’s important is the game. Put your performance and you do well, today we had a full house of Algerians, but we played well and focused on ourselves.”
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“Its a big opportunity for me. These are games I dream of and for me I want to win the AFCON and I have to take these opportunities, today I did that and the team did that. We take each game as they come and Morocco will be a different team because they have the fans with them. It will be difficult, but we believe in ourselves. I think the way we are playing, Algeria didn’t have a shot on target today, so we keep believing in ourselves and keep doing what the manager wants us to do. We will beat Morocco too,” he concluded.
Nigeria will hope to secure victory in their semifinal tie against Morocco on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, as they look to reach a second consecutive AFCON final.
