Soccer
Riyadh Mahrez and Aissa Mandi in AFCON 2025 game between Algeria Vs Nigeria (Photo by: ImagoxSamuel Ameyaw Yeboah)
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has imposed heavy sanctions on Algeria following a post-match altercation during their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarterfinal against Nigeria, Soccernet.ng reports.
On January 10, the Super Eagles secured a convincing 2-0 victory over the North African giants to advance to the AFCON 2025 semifinals.
It was one of the Super Eagles’ finest performances in recent memory, as they totally dominated the Fennec Foxes.
Eric Chelle’s side could have easily scored four or five goals, in stark contrast to their opponents, who failed to seriously test Stanley Nwabali in the Nigerian goal. In fact, they only managed their first goal attempt in the second half.
However, the Algerians were visibly frustrated by the result, and the situation escalated into a physical confrontation after the final whistle.
Several players and staff members attempted to attack the match officials and were only restrained by stewards, who eventually escorted the referees to safety.
Luca Zidane fought with Fisayo Dele-Bashiru at the end of the match… In the second part of the video, the refereeing body were targeted by the Algerian staff.
Catastrophic end to the Algeria-Nigeria game in Marrakech…
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) January 10, 2026
Soccer What Punishment Did CAF Impose on Algeria?
Following an investigation into the incident, CAF decided to take a firm stance. The continental governing body has slapped the Algerian Football Federation with a $100,000 fine.
Also, goalkeeper Luca Zidane and defender Rafik Belghali have both been handed two-match bans.
: CAF have sanctioned Algeria over the incidents after their clash with Nigeria. ⚖️
▪️The AFF has been hit with a $100,000 fine.
▪️Luca Zidane has received a 2-match suspension.
▪️Rafik Belghali is banned for 4 games, with 2 to be served during the 2027… pic.twitter.com/pUMIMwYGXU— FÚTBOL HUB (@futbol_hubX) January 21, 2026
Due to this punishment, both of them will be unavailable for selection when the Fennec Foxes begin their qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations later this year.
Meanwhile, some Super Eagles players were in the middle of the scuffle, but none of them were found guilty of any punishable offence, and the Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) escaped without a fine.
The 2025 AFCON had a lot of drama, and there were many erring parties. Even the hosts Morocco, had their hands in the mud.
It is expected that the Confederation of African Football will punish all the offenders, so as not to set a bad precedence.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
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