Ighalo slams CAF over disallowed goal in Nigeria vs Algeria AFCON clash
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has slammed the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over Calvin Bassey's disallowed goal in Nigeria's AFCON 2025 quarter-final against Algeria. Ighalo insisted the first-half attempt was a goal, criticizing CAF for failing to introduce goal line technology in African football. FIFA rules require the entire ball to cross the line, but replays show almost all parts of the ball crossed before the Senegalese referee's on-field decision was upheld by VAR, denying Nigeria what would have been the opening goal. The Super Eagles dominated the first half and missed several golden opportunities to take the lead. Speaking on SuperSport, Ighalo said: "It was a goal with an inch. For me, I think this is a goal with an inch. And in a tournament like this, this is the only tournament in the world, in Europe cup, they have a good line technology in a World Cup and all that. But this is the biggest tournament in Africa. We should have goal line technology." At the time of reporting, Nigeria were 2-0 up against Algeria with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams. The match is ongoing in Morocco. Should CAF prioritize goal line technology to prevent similar controversies in future tournaments?