The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has formally submitted petitions to both CAF and FIFA today, Monday, 12 January 2026, demanding an investigation into the officiating of their AFCON 2025 quarter-final loss to Nigeria.
The move follows the Super Eagles’ 2–0 victory on Saturday, a match that ended in chaotic scenes as Algerian players and staff confronted Senegalese referee Issa Sy immediately after the final whistle.
The FAF’s statement, released via its official channels, cites “questionable decisions” that it claims “undermined the credibility of African refereeing.”
Algeria is specifically protesting a rejected penalty appeal for a handball against Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi. Replays showed the ball hitting Ajayi’s hand after deflecting off his thigh, which the referee (and VAR) ruled as “natural movement.”
The FAF alleged that Issa Sy displayed a “lack of respect” by refusing to shake hands with Algerian players and maintained a “biased tone” throughout the match, during which Algeria picked up five yellow cards.
In a strongly worded section, the federation stated the decisions “do not serve the image of African football internationally” and requested a full review of the VAR audio and match reports.
While the FAF focuses on the referee, CAF has launched its own disciplinary investigation into the events that unfolded at the Grand Stade de Marrakech:
| Incident | Description |
| Pitch Confrontation | Algerian players surrounded and shoved the officiating crew; security was forced to form a human shield to escort the referees to the tunnel. |
| Mixed Zone Violence | Reports from Morocco World News indicate that Algerian journalists allegedly attacked Moroccan and Nigerian counterparts in the media zone. |
| Vandalism | Sections of the Algerian supporter stands were reportedly vandalized following the second goal by Nigeria’s Akor Adams. |
Despite the controversy, match statistics suggest a dominant performance by the Super Eagles:
Goals: Victor Osimhen (47′), Akor Adams (57′)
Shots on Target: Nigeria (5) | Algeria (0)
Possession: Nigeria (56%) | Algeria (44%)
Man of the Match: Victor Osimhen (Goal & Assist)
History suggests that a match replay is highly unlikely unless “external interference” or a technical error by the referee is proven. However, the petition could lead to:
Sanctions for Referees: If Issa Sy is found to have breached protocol, he may be suspended from the remainder of the tournament.
Fines for FAF: Algeria faces heavy fines and potential player suspensions for the “physical intimidation” of match officials.
Nigeria’s Path: The Super Eagles remain focused on their Semi-Final clash against host nation Morocco, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, in Rabat.
“We won on the pitch with goals and discipline. While we respect our opponents’ right to appeal, the stats show who was the better team over 90 minutes.” – Super Eagles Media Team.
