CAN 2025: Algerian press slams the Fennecs

Riyad Mahrez

In Algeria, the defeat to Nigeria in the quarter-finals of CAN 2025 has gone down very badly.

While Riyad Mahrez and his teammates lashed out at referee Issa Sy’s decisions, the local press on Sunday highlighted the Algerians’ impotence against Nigeria. "End of the road for the Greens," headlined the Algerian daily El Watan. "The Algerians struggled to pose a threat and were dominated in the game, with less possession than their opponents. The Fennecs couldn’t overcome this hurdle despite their commitment and fighting spirit," analyzed an El Watan journalist.

A finish this good deserves a @tecnomobile Special Angle. Akor Adams. 🇳🇬#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025pic.twitter.com/umgtQNbDvr

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 11, 2026

Tactical decisions by Petkovic and the refereeing have both come under fire. Le Courrier d’Algérie revisited the refereeing controversies, noting that Algeria exits the competition "with regrets, frustration, and many questions, especially about the officiating." "The Greens paid for their defensive mistakes, lack of attacking efficiency, but also for highly contested refereeing, marked by decisions deemed harsh and unbalanced. (...) While Nigeria’s superiority in key moments is undeniable, the overwhelming feeling remains that Algeria was never treated equally during the match. A bitter feeling, shared by players, staff, and fans alike," the paper added.

Against Victor Osimhen’s teammates, Algeria above all paid the price for their defensive errors and lack of spark up front. "Completely outclassed," DZ Foot summed up, as many observers failed to understand Vladimir Petkovic’s starting lineup and tactical choices. The Algerian outlet finally described "a totally missed first half," even going so far as to call it an "ocean of mediocrity."