CAN 2025 – Quarter-final: Nigeria dominates, but referee misses a penalty for Algeria

The opening half of this CAN 2025 quarter-final was clearly tilted in Nigeria’s favor, with the Super Eagles showing more cutting edge and aggression in the duels. Outmuscled and unable to control the tempo, Algeria found themselves mostly on the back foot, forced to defend deep against a Nigerian side that was enterprising and technically superior in the key areas of the pitch.

Algeria, however, managed to avoid disaster thanks to a remarkable display of defensive solidarity. Twice, Ramy Bensebaïni acted as the last line of defense, making decisive goal-line clearances that kept the Fennecs afloat despite relentless pressure and a flurry of dangerous Nigerian attacks.

Algerian frustration reached a boiling point when a blatant handball in the Nigerian box went unpunished. The referee’s controversial decision sparked outrage and disbelief, both in the stands and across social media, as the break arrived in a match already brimming with tension.