Soccer
Nigeria and Algeria players embroiled in a clash after the final whistle at Stade de Marrakech. [Photo Credit/ Imago].
Although the Super Eagles of Nigeria secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 semi-final, tempers flared between both sides at Stade de Marrakech last night, Soccernet.ng reports.
Goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams put daylight between both sides, with Algeria’s first attempt of the game coming in the 78th minute.
Still, Vlaidimir Petkovic’s men failed to trouble Stanley Nwabali. At full time, however, when the players were exchanging pleasantries, things escalated very quickly.
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Zinedine Zidane’s son, Luca, was in goal for the Fennec Foxes, but he kicked off the row by shoving Raphael Onyedika, but the Club Brugge midfielder didn’t take kindly to the act.
He attempted to hit back, but was quickly surrounded by several Algerian players who jumped in to defend Zidane.
Like Father,
Like Son.It’s a Zidane family template.
Fight just plenty yesterday, the kind fight between North African journalists, the comedy was fun yesterday. pic.twitter.com/RTDZsGPGlX
— Adepoju Tobi Samuel (@OgaNlaMedia) January 11, 2026
Stanley Nwabali, Paul Onuachu, Chidozie Awaziem and Francis Uzoho also jumped in to separate what had already turned into a full brawl at Stade de Marrakech.
While the on-pitch situation was being sorted, the chaos didn’t stop there. The Algerian players went after the Senegalese referee Issa Sy for not giving a penalty for a Semi Ajayi handball in the first half.
Referee Issa Sy refused to be bullied throughout the game. The only thing Algeria planned for was antics and he stood up to it from the first minute.
AFCON 2023 quarters: Nigeria 1-0 Angola#AFCON2025 quarters: Algeria 0-2 Nigeria
Constant.
— Fisayo Dairo (@FisayoDairo) January 10, 2026
The 41-year-old had to be escorted out of the game for his safety after the Algerian fans clashed with stadium security.
Again, it didn’t stop there. In the mixed zone, an Algerian journalist was seen attacking a Nigerian journalist, before the whole situation was contained.
A heated moment amongst journalists in the mixed zone after Nigeria defeated in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final.
The Algerian journalists were reportedly angered by the outcome of the game based on some unsatisfactory decisions by the referee. #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 #AFCON2025… pic.twitter.com/yyeq2jLomj
— Nigeria Info FM 99.3 (@NigeriainfoFM) January 10, 2026
The Moroccan security forces eventually came in to contain the situation, but two Algerian journalists were detained for further interrogation.
The chaos was cross-continental as well. Security officers were called to get involved in Marseille, France, as Algerians and Nigerians clashed on the streets after they were seen burning jerseys of each other’s teams.
Adefolahan Guerreiro
Adefolahan is a multilingual sports journalist and football writer whose work spans outlets like Soccernet Nigeria, Pure Football UK, and Royalsportz.
With a sharp eye for detail and a background in college sports, he tells the African football story with depth, flair, and global perspective.
Fluent in English, Spanish, and German, he brings a cross-cultural voice to his coverage, blending insight with accessibility for readers around the world.
His portfolio includes interviews with top Nigerian stars like Finidi George, Junior Lokosa, Sikiru Alimi, Sodiq Ismaila, and Abraham Onahi Ogbu.
A devoted Borussia Dortmund fan, Adefolahan thrives on the emotion and rhythm of the beautiful game. Away from work, he’s a sci-fi enthusiast and series lover who enjoys exploring how sport, storytelling, and culture collide.
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