Issa Sy replaces Omar Artan for Nigeria vs. Algeria

In a sudden 11th-hour decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has replaced the officiating crew for the high-stakes AFCON Quarter-Final clash between the Super Eagles of Nigeria and the Fennec Foxes of Algeria.

Senegalese official Issa Sy has been named the new centre referee for the match, which kicks off today, Saturday, 10 January 2026, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech.

The original appointee, Somali referee Omar Artan, who was recently crowned CAF Referee of the Year 2025, was unexpectedly withdrawn from the fixture just 24 hours before kickoff.

Reports indicate that Artan was removed for violating CAF’s strict sponsorship regulations. He reportedly wore football boots from a brand that is not an official sponsor of the tournament during a previous match.

CAF, which is fiercely protective of its commercial partnerships, opted for an immediate replacement to maintain “tournament integrity” and sponsor relations.

Issa Sy is a veteran of the African game and is already well-integrated into the 2025 tournament cycle.

Sy served as the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) during the group-stage match between Morocco and Tanzania, where he faced some scrutiny for not recommending a monitor review on a late penalty shout.

Sy is no stranger to Nigeria; he officiated the Super Eagles’ quarter-final victory against Angola during the 2023 AFCON in Ivory Coast.

The last-minute change has added another layer of tension to an already explosive fixture, a rematch of the 2019 semi-final. While some fans view the change as a necessary move to ensure unbiased officiating amid growing tournament controversies, others in the Algerian camp have expressed wariness over Sy’s recent VAR performance.

“Issa Sy is a steady hand, but a change this close to a heavyweight bout is never ideal. He will be under the microscope from the first whistle.” – African Football Analyst.