Rabat – The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has opened a disciplinary investigation following the violent scenes that unfolded after Nigeria’s 2–0 win over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 quarter-final.
The match, played in Marrakech, ended with Nigeria advancing, but the aftermath was marked by tension on the pitch, in the stands, and even among journalists.
Several Algerian players reacted angrily to referee Issa Sy’s decisions. At the final whistle, they surrounded the Senegalese official and his assistants, protesting in a hostile manner.
Security staff had to intervene quickly to prevent the situation from escalating further. The tension then spread to Nigerian players, with heated exchanges raising fears of a fight between the two squads.
The atmosphere among supporters was equally troubling. Frustrated Algerian fans attempted to break through barriers leading to the pitch. The crowd grew rowdy with some reportedly vandalizing the stands before stewards managed to restore order and prevent a pitch invasion.
The most serious incident occurred off the field, in the mixed zone reserved for accredited journalists. According to multiple reports, Algerian journalists verbally and physically attacked Moroccan reporters covering the match. What began with insults quickly escalated into violence, shocking observers and raising questions about security in controlled areas.
CAF confirmed that it is reviewing official reports from referees, security teams, and media representatives. Sanctions are expected in the coming days, and many believe the outcome will be a test of CAF’s determination to uphold discipline and protect the credibility of the tournament.