Algeria petitions CAF, FIFA over AFCON refereeing after Nigeria loss
Algeria's Football Federation (FAF) has formally petitioned CAF and FIFA, demanding an investigation into refereeing decisions during their 2025 AFCON quarter-final elimination by Nigeria in Marrakech on Saturday. In a Monday statement, the FAF acknowledged the defeat but cited officiating that "raised questions" and undermined African football's credibility. The Super Eagles dominated the encounter, denying Algeria any shots on target to set up a semi-final against hosts Morocco.
CAF confirmed it is reviewing the match and has collected video evidence of potentially unacceptable behavior from the quarter-finals, including the Algeria-Nigeria clash. The matter has been referred to CAF's Disciplinary Board, with footage of alleged media incidents in the mixed zone also under review. CAF strongly condemned any inappropriate behavior targeting referees or match organizers.
Nigeria progressed despite earlier off-field distractions involving bonus payment delays and a brief Osimhen-Lookman disagreement. The defeat marks another painful AFCON exit against Nigeria for Algeria, who remain in a rebuilding phase ahead of the 2026 World Cup co-hosted by USA, Canada, and Mexico. The quarter-final result stands as CAF's investigation continues.
With Algeria calling for calm among supporters and Nigeria preparing for the Morocco semi-final, will CAF's investigation uncover significant officiating errors, or is this another chapter in a rivalry defined by controversial outcomes?