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Tensions boiled over following Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals on Saturday, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane at the center of heated post-match confrontations.
Super Eagles, Nigeria advanced to the semifinals with second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, ending Algeria’s tournament run in Marrakech. The Super Eagles dominated the match, with Osimhen opening the scoring shortly after halftime with a powerful header before assisting Adams for the second goal.
As the final whistle blew, frustration spilled onto the pitch. Algerian players immediately approached the match officials to protest refereeing decisions, with particular grievance over a first-half handball incident that went unpunished.
The scenes became so chaotic that the referee had to be escorted away from the field by security personnel for his own safety.
The situation quickly escalated beyond mere complaints. Luca Zidane, visibly furious, was seen physically grabbing a Nigerian player identified as either Raphael Onyedika or Fisayo Dele-Bashiru. Multiple teammates and officials had to intervene to separate them and prevent the altercation from escalating further.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper, son of French legend Zinedine Zidane, had switched allegiance from France to Algeria just months earlier and had been enjoying an impressive tournament before the quarterfinal exit.
Also, the Algerian and Nigerian players carried the rivalry into the stadium corridors, and some unverified reports suggest that the Algerian players attacked the match referee as well. Luca Zidane had kept clean sheets in three matches until Algeria met the Super Eagles.
The match didn’t end at the final whistle.
Algerian and Nigerian players carried the rivalry into the stadium corridors
Intense stares, heated words, and a charged atmosphere after the clash.
