Nigeria’s 2–0 victory over Algeria at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 has been overshadowed by reports of post-match chaos and violence, with a Moroccan outlet, Le360 Sports, describing scenes of tension and misconduct that marred what had been a commanding on-field performance by the Super Eagles.

According to the report, Nigeria’s national football team dominated the quarter-final encounter from a sporting standpoint, outclassing Algeria’s national football team in intensity, organisation and physical presence. Nigeria seized control early in the second half when Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before setting up Akor Adams ten minutes later to seal the result.

Le360 noted that the two decisive moments left Algeria overwhelmed and unable to mount a meaningful response, with frustration quickly replacing composure as the match slipped away.

However, what should have remained a routine knockout-stage exit reportedly descended into disorder at the final whistle. The publication claimed several Algerian players confronted the match officials, directing their anger at Senegalese referee Issa Sy and his assistants. Stewards were forced to intervene as protests became increasingly aggressive, with officials allegedly turned into scapegoats for an elimination the report described as “deserved”.

Tensions also spilt onto the pitch, where heated exchanges followed between Algerian and Nigerian players. While no full confrontation erupted, Le360 said the situation remained volatile until security personnel restored calm.

The atmosphere in the stands was equally fraught. Sections of Algerian supporters reportedly attempted to force their way onto the pitch, with shouting, pushing, and crowd surges heightening fears of a wider disturbance before stewards regained control.

Most troubling, according to the Moroccan outlet, were incidents said to have taken place away from the cameras in the mixed zone. Le360 alleged that Moroccan journalists covering the match were subjected to insults, threats and physical assaults by Algerian journalists, describing the incidents as a serious breach of professional and sporting conduct.

“Nothing can justify such acts,” the report stated, arguing that sporting disappointment could not excuse attacks on journalists or the violation of spaces meant for safe and professional media work.

The incidents have cast a shadow over a tournament billed as a celebration of African football’s progress, raising renewed concerns about behaviour off the pitch despite improvements in the quality of play on it.

While Nigeria advance calmly to a semi-final showdown against Morocco’s national football team, Algeria’s exit has been accompanied not only by elimination on the field, but by scrutiny over conduct that Le360 said risks damaging the image of both its football and its media contingent.

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By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech.

Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković, who holds nationalities of Bosnian, Swiss, and Croatia has admitted his side were outplayed by the Super Eagles in Saturday’s quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.

He also remarked that the Super Eagles’ physicality and individual quality proved decisive.

Speaking after the match, Petković congratulated Nigeria for a deserved victory, acknowledging that his team struggled to impose itself from the outset.

“I congratulate the Nigerian team, who deserved to win the match. The opponent played better than us,” the Algerian coach said. “We couldn’t get into the game properly and had to stay focused. Nigeria was better than us; we were missing a lot of things.”

Petković explained that Algeria’s plan to control possession and dictate the tempo was effectively neutralised by Nigeria’s intensity and organisation.

“We wanted to control the game, but the opponent was strong and prevented us from doing so,” he noted. “The Nigerian team showed the individual skills they possess, and physically we were behind.”

The Algerians attempted to respond after the break, but the coach admitted his side failed to raise their attacking output to the required level.

“We tried to come back in the second half, but we couldn’t reach the level we wanted in attack,” he said.

Despite the disappointment of elimination, Petković defended his players’ overall contribution at the tournament, stressing the need to quickly refocus on future objectives.

“Our players are disappointed and devastated after the match. They performed well in this tournament,” he added. “Now the competition is over, and another tournament is coming. We must keep our heads high after this exit.”

Nigeria’s victory sealed their place in the semi-finals, ending Algeria’s AFCON campaign and reinforcing the Super Eagles’ growing reputation as one of the tournament’s most physically imposing and technically assured sides.

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By Kunle Solaja, Marrakech

As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations reaches its decisive phase, the numbers tell a compelling story of attacking ambition, tactical boldness and ruthless finishing. From fluid counter-attacks to sustained possession-based pressure, several teams have distinguished themselves as the competition’s most dangerous forces in front of goal.

At the head of the scoring charts are Nigeria, whose free-scoring run has yielded an impressive 14 goals. This is an indication of the Super Eagles’ growing confidence and balance across the front line.

On Saturday, they had a 2-0 win over Algeria to book a place in the semifinals. Nigeria’s output reflects not just individual brilliance, but collective efficiency.

Their goals spread across matches and scorers, making them one of the most unpredictable attacking sides in the tournament.

The least they have scored in a match is two, making the Nigerian attackers, goalkeepers’ nightmare. Even, Algeria’s goalkeeper, Luca Zidane, the son of the legendary Zinedane Zidane, who had conceded the goal, just one, before the quarterfinals, had to pick the ball twice from his own net.

Close behind Nigeria in the attacking prowess are Senegal with 11 goals. Again, like the Super Eagles, the Teranga Lions are reaffirming their status as one of Africa’s most complete teams.

 The former champions have combined power, pace and experience, striking with authority whenever space opens up, and reminding opponents that defensive lapses are swiftly punished.

A second tier of attacking contenders is led by Côte d’Ivoire and hosts Morocco, both on nine goals. Morocco’s goals have been crafted through structured buildup, intelligent movement and crowd-inspired urgency.

Algeria and South Africa, both already eliminated, follow closely with eight goals each, showcasing contrasting attacking identities. Algeria’s patient, technical approach has gradually worn down opponents, while South Africa’s pressing game and speed in wide areas have translated into consistent returns.

Further down the list, Tunisia (7 goals) and Cameroon (6 goals) have relied on moments of precision rather than volume, while DR Congo and Mozambique (5 goals apiece) have impressed with efficiency despite fewer chances.

At the lower end of the scoring table, teams such as Burkina Faso and Gabon (4 goals), Mali, Tanzania, Uganda (3 goals), and Angola, Benin, and Equatorial Guinea (2 goals) remain in search of greater attacking fluency, often undone by missed chances or conservative game management.

As AFCON 2025 heads toward its climax, history suggests that goals win matches — but balance wins titles.

For now, Nigeria and Senegal stand tallest among the tournament’s attacking elites, while the chasing pack will hope that sharper finishing at the business end can still redefine the narrative

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