AFCON 2025: Algeria files petition following defeat to Super Eagles
The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) is set to file a second petition to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) following their 2-0 defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals at the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday, January 10.
The loss not only saw the Desert Foxes exit the tournament but also ended goalkeeper Luca Zidane’s clean-sheet run, per CAF.
FAF have accused Senegalese referee Issa Sy of poor officiating and bias towards Nigeria.
In a post that went viral on X, the Algerian FA claimed that Sy denied them a clear penalty that could have changed the game.
Other claims include several questionable decisions favouring Nigeria, the referee allegedly failing to shake hands with some Algerian players after the final whistle, and Nigerian players provoking their opponents.
FAF also alleged that Algerian journalists and media professionals were attacked in the tunnel following the match.
“A clear penalty was denied. Several decisions from Senegalese referee Issa Sy were questionable. The referee was biased in Nigeria’s favor. Issa Sy allegedly failed to shake hands with Algerian players at full time.
Nigerian players provoked them after the final whistle. Algerian journalists and media professionals were allegedly attacked in the tunnel,” FAF said:
As a result, Algeria plans to ask CAF to ban Issa Sy and remove him from the tournament immediately. CAF is now expected to review the reports and evidence submitted by the Algerian federation.
Some Algerian supporters demanded immediate action against the referee, while Nigerian fans insisted that the Super Eagles deserved the win.
CAF is now under pressure to respond, and all eyes will be on the governing body as they decide whether to act on Algeria’s petition or allow the tournament to continue without intervention.
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🚨 𝐁𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠:
Algeria are set to formally submit reports to CAF over what they describe as poor officiating in their AFCON quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria.
The Algerian FA claim:
ℹ️ A clear penalty was denied.
ℹ️ Several decisions from Senegalese referee Issa Sy were… pic.twitter.com/yYSAZwvqLz
— Micky Jnr (@MickyJnr__) January 10, 2026
