AFCON 2025: Protest Rocks Nigeria, Algeria Game

AFCON 2025: Protest Rocks Nigeria, Algeria Game

Sampson Adedeji

A protest has emerged ahead of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria, following concerns raised over ticketing arrangements for the highly anticipated encounter, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Algeria Football Federation (FAF), led by its president Walid Sadi, has submitted an official protest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after the ticket sales platform for the match was reportedly closed.

The development has sparked controversy just days before the fixture.

According to sources close to the situation, Algerian officials expressed dissatisfaction with the timing and manner of the platform’s closure, citing fears that it could limit access for supporters of the Desert Foxes and undermine fair attendance at the stadium.

The quarter-final match between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and Algeria is scheduled to take place on Saturday, January 10, in Marrakech, Morocco. It is one of the marquee fixtures of the tournament, given the pedigree of both teams and their history in African football.

As of the time of filing this report, CAF has yet to issue an official response to the protest.

However, the matter is understood to be under review, with tournament organizers keen to prevent further tension ahead of the knockout-stage encounter.

Both Nigeria and Algeria have enjoyed strong campaigns at AFCON 2025, raising the stakes for the quarter-final tie, which is expected to attract significant fan interest and continental attention.