Nigeria defeated Algeria 2-0 to reach the AFCON semifinals, a result overshadowed by a post-match brawl involving goalkeeper Luca Zidane and protests against refereeing decisions.
Nigeria advanced to the Africa Cup of Nations semifinals following a 2-0 victory over Algeria in Marrakech.
Second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams secured the win, but the match ended in chaos.
Algerian players, frustrated by a denied first-half penalty appeal for an apparent handball by Junior Ajayi, surrounded officials at the final whistle.
Security personnel were forced to escort the referee from the pitch as tensions reached a breaking point.
The confrontation escalated when Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane was seen physically grabbing a Nigerian player.
Teammates and officials intervened to separate the parties as the rivalry reportedly spilled into the stadium corridors.
Zidane, the son of Zinedine Zidane, had recently switched allegiance to Algeria and maintained three clean sheets prior to this exit.
The defeat marks Algeria’s fifth quarterfinal departure in their last seven knockout appearances.
Nigeria now prepares to face Morocco in the semifinals, eyeing their first title since 2013.
Meanwhile, Egypt triumphed over Ivory Coast to set up a high-stakes clash against Senegal, featuring former teammates Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané.
Despite the “ugly scenes” following the Algeria-Nigeria whistle, order was eventually restored. The tournament continues to showcase intense emotions as the continent’s premier football stars battle for the African crown.