The Algeria Football Federation have issued a formal statement challenging the refereeing decisions during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarterfinal defeat to Nigeria and calling on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to launch an investigation, Bold Sports reports.
The Desert Warriors suffered a 2-0 defeat to the Super Eagles in the thrilling encounter on Saturday. Striker Victor Osimhen opened the scoring few minutes into the second half before Akor Adams sealed the dominant win in the 57th minute, ending Algeria’s campaign.
Despite being outplayed by Eric Chelle’s side, the Algeria Football Federation insist that poor officiating influenced the outcome of the match. Reports suggest their complaints centre on an alleged clear penalty that went unawarded, a series of questionable decisions by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, and claims of bias in favour of Nigeria.
They also allege that Issa Sy failed to shake hands with Algerian players at full time, that Nigerian players provoked them after the final whistle, and that Algerian journalists and media personnel were attacked in the tunnel following the match.
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In a statement published on Monday via the Federation’s official X account, they addressed the national team’s supporters and disclosed that they had contacted the Confederation of African Football as well as the International Football Federation to seek clarification on the incidents and ensure that appropriate measures are taken in line with the relevant regulations.
“Following the national team’s elimination in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, the Algeria Football Federation wishes to address this message to the national team’s supporters,” the statement read.
“While acknowledging the match result, the Algeria Football Federation calls on all Algerian supporters to embrace a spirit of solidarity and rally around the national team, which is undergoing a rebuilding phase and continuing its path of work and development.”
“Important commitments are approaching in less than five months, foremost among them the World Cup finals, which require collective rallying, calm, and support from everyone.”
“The players and technical staff demonstrated commitment and seriousness throughout the competition, which warrants appreciation and encouragement from the entire national football family.”
“However, the Algeria Football Federation cannot overlook the refereeing decisions in the last match, which raised questions and left widespread dissatisfaction, as they undermined the credibility of African refereeing and do not serve the image of African football on the international stage.”
“Accordingly, the Algeria Football Federation has contacted the Confederation of African Football, as well as the International Football Federation, by filing an official complaint accompanied by a request to open an investigation, in order to clarify what happened and take appropriate measures in accordance with the applicable regulations.”
“During this phase, it is essential to draw the necessary lessons from this participation, in order to strengthen the accomplished work and prepare for the upcoming commitments, with the aim of returning with a stronger and more competitive performance.”
“The Algeria Football Federation will continue its efforts with steadfastness and determination, mobilizing all necessary human, technical, and organizational resources, so that the national team remains among the ranks of the best teams and a source of pride, joy, and honor for Algerian youth.”
“The Algeria Football Federation extends its sincerest thanks and appreciation to all supporters, as well as the media outlets that accompanied the national team throughout this continental adventure, and also thanks the public authorities for their support and provision of the necessary means for the benefit of the national team.”
“In conclusion, the Algeria Football Federation renews its full confidence in the group, the technical staff, and all those working to elevate national football.”
Meanwhile, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Monday that it has opened an investigation into incidents of unacceptable behaviour from the quarterfinal fixtures between Nigeria and Algeria, as well as Cameroon and Morocco.
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