AFCON: ‘We Were Denied A Clear Penalty’ – Algeria Cry Foul After Super Eagles’ Win

Algeria has reacted angrily to its defeat to Nigeria’s Super Eagles, lamenting what it described as a clear penalty decision wrongly denied by match officials.

The reaction followed Saturday’s keenly contested Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) encounter, which Nigeria won.

Naija News reported earlier that the Super Eagles of Nigeria produced a commanding display to brush aside Algeria 2-0 and seal a place in the semi-finals of the 2025 AFCON.

Goals early in the second half from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams settled the quarter-final contest, as Nigeria outclassed their North African opponents.

Penalty Controversy After Nigeria Win

Shortly after the match, the Algerian team took to its official social media page, 𝕏 precisely, to express frustration over an alleged handball incident that was not punished by the referee or reviewed by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR).

The North African side rejected insinuations of cheating often levelled against teams from the region.

“I don’t want to hear anyone talk about North African teams cheating,” the post read.

“It might apply for one team, but certainly doesn’t apply to Algeria.”

Algeria insisted that the incident in question occurred inside the penalty area and should have resulted in a spot kick.

“A clear handball and penalty not called by the referee or the VAR,” the post added.

“And no, it was not outside the box.”

Naija News reports that the comments suggested that the Algerians felt the outcome of the match could have been different had the decision gone their way.

Despite the controversy, the Super Eagles held on to secure victory over the former African champions, extending Nigeria’s strong record against Algeria in recent competitive encounters.

The win further underlined Nigeria’s growing confidence and tactical discipline, particularly against North African opposition traditionally known for their physical and technical strength.

While Nigerian fans celebrated the result, Algeria’s post-match reaction shifted attention away from the football itself to officiating standards and the use of VAR in African competitions.

The incident has since sparked debate among fans on social media, with opinions divided over whether the referee erred in failing to award the penalty.