AFCON 2025: It Was Not A Penalty – Ndidi Insists

AFCON 2025: It Was Not A Penalty – Ndidi Insists

Sampson Adedeji

Nigeria’s Super Eagles captain, Wilfred Ndidi, has strongly disputed the penalty awarded to Tunisia late in their AFCON 2025 encounter, insisting the decision was incorrect, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Malian referee pointed to the spot in the closing stages of the match after a challenge involving Bright Osayi-Samuel, a decision that allowed the North Africans to convert and set up a nervy finish to the contest.

Reacting after the game, Ndidi expressed his surprise at the call, maintaining that there was no infringement to warrant a penalty.

“I was surprised about the penalty decision,” Ndidi told journalists after the match.

“I’m 100 percent sure that was not a penalty because both players went for the ball and his (Osayi-Samuel) hand was in a natural position. I was shocked that the referee even went to the VAR.”

The controversial decision has since sparked debate among fans and pundits, with many questioning the officiating in the high-stakes AFCON 2025 fixture.