AFCON 2025: CAF opens investigation into Nigeria vs Algeria clash

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has begun an investigation and warned of possible disciplinary action for “unacceptable behaviour of players and officials over the ugly confrontations that broke out after Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Algeria during a 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final in Marrakech.

“CAF has referred the matters to the disciplinary board for investigation and has called for appropriate action to be taken if the identified persons were to be found guilty of any wrongdoing,” said African football’s governing body in a statement on Monday.

The Algerians were furious at full-time, targeting the match officials for what they perceived as unfair decisions, after Nigeria won 2-0 thanks to second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

Referee Issa Sy was shielded from irate Algeria team staff and was escorted off the field. Video clips showed that Sy was still being pursued in the mixed zone for media and broadcasters as he made his way to his cabin.

Any disciplinary action could have an impact on the Super Eagles as they prepare for their semifinal showdown on Wednesday against Morocco.

“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches, especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers,” CAF said.

Video showed accredited media fighting in the mixed zone as they waited for players to pass through for interviews after the match.

Algeria’s federation also confirmed it had filed a complaint with CAF over Sy’s performance.

“The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the refereeing performance observed during the last match, which raised numerous questions and caused considerable confusion,” it said in a statement.

“Certain decisions ‌have damaged the credibility of African refereeing and do nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage.”

CAF said it was also investigating incidents in Friday’s last-eight tie between the hosts and Cameroon.