Algeria's captain Riyad Mahrez has conceded that the better team won after the Desert Foxes were eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations by Nigeria's Super Eagles. The quarterfinal clash, played on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in Marrakesh, Morocco, ended in a decisive 2-0 victory for Nigeria, shattering Algeria's perfect tournament record.
Super Eagles Soar Into Semifinals
The highly anticipated match saw a tense first half, but Nigeria broke the deadlock after the interval. Goals from Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Sevilla's Akor Adams in the second half secured the win for the three-time champions. This marked the first time in the tournament that the Algerian defense, which had been unbeaten in four matches, conceded two goals, with goalkeeper Luca Zidane failing to keep a clean sheet.
The result was a bitter pill for Algeria, who entered the knockout stages with a 100% record from the group phase and were hoping to win their third AFCON title, having last triumphed in 2019 after beating Nigeria in the semifinal.
Mahrez's Candid Post-Match Assessment
In a viral video on social media platform X, the Al-Ahli and former Manchester City star offered a frank analysis of the defeat. The 34-year-old winger acknowledged Nigeria's quality while also touching on a controversial refereeing performance.
"I think the better team won the match," Mahrez stated. "I think the referee was not perfect but it is not his fault that we lost. You know but we still have to mention it but it is football."
Mahrez went on to tip Nigeria for potential glory, praising the current generation of Super Eagles players. "Maybe this will be the time for Nigeria to win; they have a good generation. But sometimes we can have a good generation, and you don't win, it is really difficult to win, but I know they have a good chance," he added.
End of an Era: Mahrez Retires from International Football
The match also marked a significant personal milestone for the Algerian legend. Mahrez confirmed that the 2025 AFCON was his final appearance at the continental showpiece, announcing his retirement from international duty.
"This is my final Africa Cup of Nations for sure; I won't be playing another AFCON after six African Cups, more than 20 games," he revealed. "I am happy that I brought one big star for my country, and it is football; sometimes you win and sometimes you lose."
His illustrious international career included being named CAF African Footballer of the Year and leading Algeria to their 2019 AFCON triumph.
Post-Match Controversy and CAF Scrutiny
The defeat was met with visible frustration from the Algerian camp. Reports indicate that several Algerian players confronted the match official, Senegalese referee Issa Sy, after the final whistle, chasing him down the tunnel and requiring restraint from officials.
The players' anger reportedly stemmed from a first-half incident where a penalty appeal was waved off after the ball bounced off Nigeria defender Semi Ajayi's thigh onto his arm. This confrontation puts the Algerian team at risk of potential sanctions from the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
With this victory, Nigeria advances to the semifinals of AFCON 2025, keeping their dream of a fourth title alive, while Algeria and their iconic captain Riyad Mahrez bow out of the tournament.
