Lille’s Algeria centre-back Aïssa Mandi has insisted that Senegalese referee Issa Sy was not to blame for their team’s elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations at the quarterfinal stage.

In what was billed as a blockbuster clash, the North African side struggled to contain the Super Eagles, who secured a convincing 2-0 victory thanks to second half strikes from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams.

Algeria fans and pundits criticised the officiating, arguing that the referee appeared to overprotect the Nigerian players, issuing five yellow cards to the Desert Warriors players within seventy-five minutes, while Wilfred Ndidi was the only Super Eagles player cautioned during that spell.

However, Mandi has made it clear that refereeing decisions played no part in his team’s 2-0 defeat to Nigeria.

Speaking to reporters in the mixed zone, Mandi explained: "The Nigerian team doesn't need this. They have a strong team with great maturity.

"They have great players, and that's why they don't need refereeing decisions to put in a good performance. They've shown that since the start of the Africa Cup of Nations."

In the first half, Calvin Bassey's effort appeared to cross the line before being cleared by Ramy Bensebaini, intensifying calls for goal-line technology at future Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria will take on tournament hosts Morocco's Atlas Lions on Wednesday, January 14, with a spot in the Africa Cup of Nations final at stake.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel