Mandi Clears Referee as Nigeria End Algeria’s AFCON 2025 Campaign
Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi has dismissed claims that officiating played a role in his team’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting that Nigeria fully deserved their quarter-final victory.
The Super Eagles knocked Algeria out of the tournament on Saturday with a comfortable 2–0 win, as second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals. While the match was expected to be a fierce contest, Algeria struggled to contain Nigeria’s pace, physicality and attacking movement.
Following the defeat, some Algerian fans and pundits pointed fingers at Senegalese referee Issa Sy, accusing him of favouring the Super Eagles. However, Mandi was quick to shut down such narratives, choosing instead to credit Nigeria’s quality and maturity.
Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, the experienced centre-back said:
“The Nigerian team doesn’t need this. They have a solid team that is very mature. They have really good players, and that’s why they can perform well even without refereeing decisions. They’ve shown that since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Mandi’s comments reflect a refreshing level of sportsmanship and honesty rarely seen in the heat of tournament exits. Rather than hide behind officiating complaints, he acknowledged what many observers saw on the pitch — a Nigerian side that looked sharper, stronger and more composed when it mattered most.
From an objective standpoint, the result felt less like a controversy and more like a statement. Nigeria did not just win; they controlled the game, absorbed pressure when necessary, and struck decisively in the second half. Teams that rely on blaming referees often overlook the deeper issues, and Mandi’s remarks suggest Algeria understand that truth.
As Nigeria prepare to face hosts Morocco on Wednesday, January 14, for a place in the final, the Super Eagles will take confidence from both their performance and the respect they are earning from opponents. When rivals openly admit your quality, it is often a sign that something special is building — and Nigeria may just be peaking at the perfect time.
