Algeria defender, Aïssa Mandi, has dismissed claims that controversial officiating influenced his country’s elimination by Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), insisting the Super Eagles deserved their victory.
Algeria crashed out of the tournament on Saturday after a 2-0 defeat to Nigeria in what many had billed as one of the toughest fixtures of the competition.
Contrary to expectations of a closely fought encounter, the Super Eagles controlled proceedings for long spells, leaving the North Africans struggling to contain Nigeria’s attacking threats.
Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed a comfortable win for Nigeria, sending Algeria packing and extending the Super Eagles’ impressive run in the tournament.
Following the defeat, some Algerian fans and football pundits accused Senegalese referee Issa Sy of bias, alleging that his decisions favoured Nigeria and disrupted Algeria’s rhythm.
However, Mandi was quick to shut down such claims, stressing that the referee had no bearing on the outcome of the match.
Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone after the encounter, the experienced centre-back praised Nigeria’s quality and maturity, admitting his side were beaten by a superior team.
“The Nigerian team doesn’t need this,” Mandi said.
“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.”
With the victory, Nigeria have booked a mouth-watering semi-final showdown against Morocco’s Atlas Lions, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, as the Super Eagles continue their quest for a fourth continental title.
The winner of the clash will secure a place in the final of Africa’s biggest football tournament.