Algeria Defender, Mandi Admits Super Eagles Deserved Win

Nigeria Don’t Need Referee Help’ – Aïssa Mandi Admits Super Eagles Deserved Win
He dismissed claims of referee bias after Algeria’s exit.
Nigeria now face Morocco in the semi final.

Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi has dismissed claims that controversial refereeing decisions played a role in his country’s elimination by Nigeria at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, insisting the Super Eagles fully deserved their victory.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Algeria crashed out of the tournament on Saturday after a 2–0 defeat to Nigeria in a quarter final encounter that had been widely regarded as one of the toughest fixtures of the competition.

Contrary to expectations of a tightly contested game, Nigeria dominated large spells of the match, with Algeria struggling to cope with the Super Eagles’ pace, movement and attacking intensity.

Second half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams sealed a convincing win for Nigeria, ending the Desert Foxes’ AFCON campaign and extending the Super Eagles’ impressive run at the tournament.

Following the defeat, some Algerian fans and football analysts accused Senegalese referee Issa Sy of favouring Nigeria, alleging that his decisions disrupted Algeria’s rhythm and influenced the outcome.

Mandi, however, rejected the accusations, stressing that officiating had no impact on the result.

Speaking to journalists in the mixed zone after the match, the experienced centre back praised Nigeria’s quality and admitted his side were beaten by a superior team.

“The Nigerian team doesn’t need this,” Mandi said.

“They have a solid team that is very mature. They have really good players, and that’s why they can perform well even without refereeing decisions.

“They’ve shown that since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

With the victory, Nigeria have booked a high profile semi final clash against tournament hosts Morocco, scheduled for Wednesday, January 14, as the Super Eagles continue their pursuit of a fourth AFCON title.

The winner of the encounter will secure a place in the final of Africa’s biggest football competition.