Algeria through its federation, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has formally filed a complaint before the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) over Nigeria’s commanding 2-0 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Algeria filed the formal complaint on January 12, 2026, centering on refereeing decisions that the FAF claimed undermined the match’s integrity and damaged trust in African officiating.
The clash, played on January 10 at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, saw Nigeria’s Super Eagles dominate proceedings. Victor Osimhen opened the scoring early in the second half with a powerful header, before providing an assist for Akor Adams to seal the win with a clinical finish.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that the match ended amid heated scenes, with Algerian players confronting match officials at the final whistle. Videos circulating online showed scuffles involving some players and officials, as well as an attempted pitch invasion by fans, which was prevented by stadium security.
However, Algeria, in its formal complaints highlighted specific grievances against Senegalese referee Issa Sy.
The FAF pointed to a denied penalty appeal in the first half, following an alleged handball by Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi, as a pivotal moment that could have shifted the game’s momentum.
Additional concerns included excessive bookings, perceived biased conduct, and the referee’s refusal to shake hands with Algerian players post-match.
“The Algerian Football Federation cannot overlook the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and caused widespread dissatisfaction, as they undermined the credibility of African refereeing and do not serve the image of African football internationally,” the statement read.
“Accordingly, the Algerian Football Federation has formally contacted CAF and FIFA by submitting an official complaint, accompanied by a request to open an investigation, to clarify what occurred and take appropriate action in accordance with applicable regulations.”
CAF Reacts
Meanwhile, after Algeria filed a formal complaint, CAF confirmed on Monday that it has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the match.
The football body said it has reviewed match officials’ reports and video footage, indicating potentially unacceptable behaviour, and has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board.
CAF said it has launched an investigation into alleged misconduct by players and officials during the CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 quarter-final clashes between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria.
The statement reads in part: “CAF has referred the matters to the Disciplinary Board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons are found guilty of any wrongdoing.
“CAF is also reviewing footage of an incident involving members of the media who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone area.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers.
“Appropriate actions will be sought against anyone whose behaviour is not consistent with professional conduct at CAF events.”
