The aftermath of Nigeria's commanding 2-0 quarter-final victory over Algeria in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has taken a dramatic turn, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially opening an investigation into the ugly post-match scenes that marred the encounter.
On Saturday, January 10, 2026, the Super Eagles produced a dominant display at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, with second-half goals from Victor Osimhen (47') and Akor Adams (57') securing their place in the semi-finals against hosts Morocco. Nigeria controlled large portions of the game, creating numerous chances while limiting Algeria to minimal threats.
However, the focus quickly shifted from the pitch to the chaos that erupted immediately after the final whistle. Frustrated by the result and controversial refereeing decisions — including a first-half handball incident involving Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi that went unpunished — Algerian players and members of the technical staff confronted match officials.
Video footage that went viral on social media showed several Algerian players, including goalkeeper Luca Zidane (son of football legend Zinedine Zidane), aggressively pursuing Senegalese referee Issa Sy down the tunnel. Teammates and officials were forced to intervene to restrain the players and prevent further escalation.
Here are some of the intense moments captured from the post-match confrontation:
CAF described the behavior as "unacceptable" and in clear violation of the competition’s disciplinary regulations. In an official statement released on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the governing body confirmed it is reviewing the incidents, including the confrontation on the pitch and in the tunnel, as well as reports of clashes between journalists and media personnel in the mixed zone.
Disciplinary measures are expected once the investigations conclude, potentially including fines, suspensions, or other sanctions against the Algerian Football Federation (FAF), players, and staff involved.
The Algerian camp has hit back, with the FAF reportedly preparing a petition to CAF alleging biased refereeing by Issa Sy and even claiming attacks on Algerian journalists in the tunnel. However, the overwhelming narrative from observers highlights the Desert Foxes' frustration boiling over after a performance where they failed to register a single shot on target.
Nigeria, meanwhile, continues their strong run, becoming the first team to win five consecutive matches at this tournament. The Super Eagles now turn their attention to a blockbuster semi-final clash against Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, 2026.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the intense emotions in high-stakes AFCON matches — but CAF is determined to uphold the spirit of fair play. Stay tuned to Nigfooty Sports for the latest updates on the investigation, potential punishments, and all the action from the road to the AFCON title!