The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has announced plans to file a second official petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following Algeria’s 2–0 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles at the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The quarterfinal match was played on Saturday, January 10, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech in Morocco. The result confirmed Algeria’s exit from the tournament and sent Nigeria through to the semifinals. It also ended the impressive clean-sheet run of Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane, who had not conceded a goal before the game, according to CAF records.
In a strongly worded statement that later circulated widely on social media platform X, the Algerian FA accused the match referee, Senegalese official Issa Sy, of poor officiating and alleged bias in favour of the Nigerian team.
According to the FAF, the referee denied Algeria a “clear penalty” during the match, a decision they believe could have changed the outcome of the game. The federation also complained about what it described as several questionable calls that allegedly favoured Nigeria throughout the encounter.
The Algerian FA further claimed that the referee’s conduct after the match was unprofessional. It alleged that Issa Sy failed to shake hands with some Algerian players at the final whistle, an action the federation described as disrespectful.
In addition, the Algerians accused Nigerian players of provoking their opponents after the match had ended. The federation also raised concerns about the safety of its media personnel, claiming that Algerian journalists were attacked in the stadium tunnel following the game.
Part of the FAF statement read:
“A clear penalty was denied. Several decisions from Senegalese referee Issa Sy were questionable and biased in Nigeria’s favour. The referee allegedly failed to shake hands with Algerian players at full time. Nigerian players provoked them after the final whistle, and Algerian journalists were allegedly attacked in the tunnel.”
Following these allegations, the Algerian FA said it would submit a second petition to CAF, asking the continental body to immediately suspend and remove Issa Sy from officiating further matches in the tournament.
This is not the first time Algeria has raised concerns during the competition. Reports suggest the North African country had earlier submitted a complaint related to officiating standards, though details of the first petition were not made public. The second petition, however, has drawn widespread attention because of its strong language and the high-profile nature of the match against Nigeria.
CAF is expected to review the petition carefully, along with any video footage, match reports, and other evidence submitted by the Algerian FA. The football body has not yet issued an official response, but sources say a decision will be made after a thorough review.
As the tournament continues, CAF is under pressure to show transparency and fairness in handling the complaint. Refereeing decisions have often been a sensitive issue in African football, with many teams in the past accusing officials of bias or poor judgment, especially in high-stakes matches.
For Nigeria, the focus remains on their performance and progress in the competition. The Super Eagles delivered a strong display against Algeria, scoring two goals and keeping a clean sheet. Many Nigerian fans and football analysts have insisted that the victory was well deserved and based on discipline, teamwork, and effective finishing.
Nigerian supporters on social media dismissed the Algerian claims, arguing that refereeing decisions were fair and that Algeria failed to take their chances when they had the opportunity. Some also pointed out that Nigeria controlled large periods of the match and showed greater tactical discipline.
The Super Eagles’ win over Algeria is seen as one of their most important performances at AFCON 2025 so far. Algeria is a former African champion and one of the continent’s strongest football nations. Defeating them in a knockout match has boosted Nigeria’s confidence as they move closer to the title.
The match itself was intense, as expected from two heavyweights of African football. Algeria pushed forward in search of goals, especially in the second half, but Nigeria’s defence remained solid. The Super Eagles also made good use of counter-attacks, which eventually led to their goals.
Goalkeeper Luca Zidane, son of French football legend Zinedine Zidane, had been one of Algeria’s standout players before the quarterfinal. His clean-sheet streak had given Algerian fans hope of a deep run in the tournament. However, Nigeria’s attacking pressure proved too much on the day.
The controversy surrounding the match has once again brought attention to the issue of refereeing at major tournaments. In past AFCON competitions, several teams have complained about officiating decisions, leading CAF to promise improvements in referee training and the use of technology.
Video Assistant Referee (VAR) has been introduced in recent AFCON tournaments to reduce errors, but disputes still arise, especially in penalty decisions and fouls. Fans and football officials continue to debate whether VAR is being used effectively and consistently.
For Algeria, the focus now shifts to addressing internal issues and preparing for future competitions. Their early exit from AFCON 2025 is a disappointment for fans, especially after strong performances in the group stage.
The Algerian FA has maintained that its actions are aimed at protecting the integrity of the game and ensuring fair treatment for its team. However, some football observers believe the petition is unlikely to change the result of the match, as CAF rarely overturns match outcomes.
As CAF considers Algeria’s petition, the AFCON tournament moves on, with Nigeria preparing for their semifinal clash. The Super Eagles remain one of the favourites to lift the trophy, while the controversy serves as a reminder of the high emotions and pressure that come with major football competitions.