AFCON: CAF Investigates Incidents After Nigeria’s Win Over Algeria
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed it is launching a formal disciplinary
investigation into a series of incidents that occurred after Nigeria’s 2-0 victory against Algeria in the
quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), following widespread video evidence of post-
match unrest involving players, officials and members of the press.
In a statement released on Monday, January 12, 2026, CAF said it had reviewed match reports and video
footage showing potentially unacceptable behaviour during and after the high-stakes contest played on
Saturday, January 10, at the Grand Stade de Marrakech, where Victor Osimhe and Akor Adams scored
to send Nigeria into the semifinals.
The governing body has referred the matter to its Disciplinary Board to examine whether violations of
CAF regulations occurred and to determine if sanctions are appropriate.
The investigation is expected to cover conduct by players, team officials and members of the media.
CAF’s statement explicitly condemned inappropriate behaviour, particularly actions targeting referees
and match organisers, as well as unprofessional conduct by journalists in the mixed zone, the area
where accredited media interact with players and officials after matches.
“The Confederation strongly condemns any inappropriate behaviour which occurs during matches,
especially those targeting the refereeing team or match organisers,” CAF said, adding that footage
involving media personnel who allegedly misbehaved in the mixed zone is also under review.
The disciplinary review follows widely circulated video clips showing Algerian players confronting
referee Issa Sy and his assistants immediately after the final whistle, with security personnel required to
escort officials away from the pitch and into stadium tunnels.
Another set of videos documented heated exchanges among journalists in the mixed zone, prompting
CAF’s decision to include press conduct in its probe.
CAF’s investigation is part of a broader review of behavioural incidents during the AFCON quarter-finals,
including clashes in the Morocco vs. Cameroon match.
The disciplinary board will determine whether any breaches of CAF’s code of conduct have occurred and
recommend actions in accordance with the competition’s regulations.
The decision to initiate this investigation comes amid heightened attention on professionalism and
discipline at major international tournaments, particularly when contentious results lead to heightened
emotions both on and off the pitch.
CAF emphasised that appropriate disciplinary measures will follow when its review is completed,
reinforcing that respect for referees, officials and media professionals is fundamental to the conduct of
matches at AFCON and other continental competitions.
By Oyinkansola Shittu.
