Algeria's head coach, Vladimir Petkovic, has broken his silence following his team's painful exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the hands of arch-rivals Nigeria.
Super Eagles Soar Into Semi-Finals
The quarter-final clash on January 10, 2026, at the Grande Stade de Marrakech saw the Super Eagles of Nigeria deliver a commanding performance to eliminate the Desert Foxes. The match was decided in a blistering ten-minute spell in the second half, where strikers Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams found the back of the net, sealing a 2-0 victory for the Nigerian side.
This crucial win propels Nigeria into the tournament's semi-finals, where they are scheduled to face the host nation, Morocco. The Atlas Lions secured their spot by defeating Cameroon in another quarter-final fixture.
Petkovic's Candid Assessment
In a post-match interview with CAF Online, Bosnian tactician Petkovic offered a brutally honest appraisal of the game, conceding that his team was second-best on the night. He did not mince words in his analysis.
"I congratulate the Nigerian team, who deserved to win the match. The opponent played better than us. We couldn't get into the game properly," Petkovic stated. He highlighted the Super Eagles' superior physicality and individual skill as decisive factors, admitting, "The Nigerian team showed the individual skills they possess, and physically, we were behind."
Petkovic acknowledged the emotional toll the defeat took on his squad, describing his players as "disappointed and devastated." However, he urged them to look forward, emphasizing the need to "keep our heads high" with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
Controversy and Confidence Amid Defeat
The manager's measured comments stand in contrast to the significant controversy that erupted after the final whistle. The Algerian camp was incensed by the officiating of referee Issa Sy, leading to reported confrontations involving players and officials from both teams.
In response, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has launched an official investigation into the post-match incidents. Furthermore, the Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has filed a formal petition to both CAF and FIFA, questioning the integrity of the refereeing and calling for a full probe.
Despite the quarter-final elimination and the surrounding drama, the Algerian Football Federation has reaffirmed its trust in Petkovic. The federation has chosen to retain him as head coach, a decision backed by his record of qualifying Algeria for the 2026 World Cup after a 12-year absence and guiding the team to the AFCON knockout stages following two consecutive group-stage exits.
