Issa Sy and his assistant referees left the pitch under police escort following a highly charged end to Algeria’s 2–0 defeat by Nigeria in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Tension filled the Grand Stade de Marrakech on Saturday evening as emotions spilled over at the final whistle of a decisive encounter between Algeria and Nigeria.
Although the Super Eagles secured a clear and deserved victory, the aftermath of the match unfolded in an atmosphere marked by anger, frustration, and unrest directed towards the officiating team led by Senegalese referee Issa Sy, alongside his compatriots Djibril Camara and Nouha Bangoura.
Security forces intervened immediately after the match to escort the referees off the field, a move aimed at preventing any escalation in a stadium where tempers ran high.
Nigerian players also left the pitch under protection, underlining the volatile mood despite the match itself offering little ambiguity in terms of the result.
Algerian frustration centred largely on a first-half incident that proved pivotal in shaping perceptions of the officiating. In the 12th minute, Algeria mounted an early attacking move down the right flank.
Farès Chaïbi delivered a cross that struck the arm of Nigerian defender Semi Ajayi inside the penalty area.
Many Algerian players reacted instantly, appealing for a penalty after Ajayi’s arm appeared extended away from his body.
Issa Sy allowed play to continue, and the situation did not prompt a review by the video assistant referee.
That decision remained a major talking point throughout the remainder of the match and fuelled resentment after full-time, even as Nigeria maintained control and efficiency to see out the contest.
On the pitch, Nigeria imposed their authority through discipline, physical strength, and tactical clarity. Algeria struggled to respond, and despite periods of intent, the Fennecs failed to convert possession into clear chances.
The Super Eagles capitalised on their superiority to book a place in the semi-finals, leaving little doubt over their overall performance.
Off the pitch, however, the focus shifted away from football. The security escort surrounding the refereeing team highlighted the sensitivity of high-stakes matches at the latter stages of the tournament, particularly when controversial decisions arise.
The Confederation of African Football has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.
The match nevertheless served as a reminder that even in games with a clear sporting outcome, refereeing decisions can dominate the narrative and intensify emotions at Africa’s premier football tournament.
L’arbitre du match Nigéria – Algérie est sorti sous escorte à la fin du match ! 🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/9jeFWpRXAh
— TFT MOROCCO (@TFT_Morocco) January 10, 2026
