Aïssa Mandi, the centre defender for Algeria, has refuted allegations that officiating affected his team’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, stating that Nigeria was just the superior team in their quarterfinal match.

Nigeria advanced to the semifinals as the Super Eagles defeated the Desert Warriors 2-0 thanks to goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams in the second half.

Algerian fans and commentators debated the game, especially in regards to Senegalese referee Issa Sy’s performance.

Wilfred Ndidi of Nigeria was the sole Super Eagles player booked within the opening 75 minutes, while Algeria collected five yellow cards.

However, Mandi downplayed the incident and denied that refereeing calls were to blame for the defeat.

“The Nigerian team doesn’t need this,” Mandi told reporters in the mixed zone. “They have a strong team with great maturity. They have great players, and that’s why they don’t need refereeing decisions to put in a good performance.”

Nigeria’s performance was consistent with what they have demonstrated throughout the tournament, according to the Lille defender, who praised Nigeria’s skill and consistency.

Mandi went on, “They’ve shown that since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations,” implying that Algeria was defeated by a team that was performing better that day.

Calls for the use of goal-line technology in next AFCON competitions were rekindled as Nigerian defender Calvin Bassey appeared to see a first-half shot cross the line before Ramy Bensebaini cleared it.

Algeria’s campaign ends at the quarterfinal stage, while Nigeria will now play tournament hosts Morocco in the semifinals on Wednesday, January 14, with a spot in the AFCON final up for grabs.

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