Why Zidane’s Son Clashed With Super Eagles Players After Algeria’s Loss
- Luca Zidane sparked an on-field brawl with Nigerian players after Algeria’s 2-0 AFCON defeat
- Senegalese referee Issa Sy and stadium security forced to intervene amid chaos
- Tensions spill internationally, with clashes reported between Algerian and Nigerian fans in France
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Luca Zidane was at the centre of an on-field confrontation involving Nigerian players following Algeria’s 2-0 defeat at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations on Saturday afternoon.
The Super Eagles secured their place in the AFCON semifinals with a comfortable 2-0 victory over the Desert Foxes at the Stade de Marrakech, but the celebrations were overshadowed by a chaotic scuffle after the final whistle.
Source: Getty Images
What should have been a night of footballing achievement quickly gave way to flaring tempers both on and off the pitch.
On the field, Nigeria had been in control for much of the contest, with goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams proving decisive, according to CAF Online.
Algeria found it difficult to fashion clear-cut opportunities, with their first serious effort on goal arriving only in the 78th minute. Despite the clear disparity in performance, tempers flared after the final whistle.
Luca Zidane — the son of French football icon Zinedine Zidane and Algeria’s goalkeeper — sparked the confrontation by shoving Club Brugge midfielder Raphael Onyedika, according to Gulf News.
Onyedika moved to respond, prompting several Algerian players to rush in to defend their goalkeeper.
The altercation quickly escalated, drawing in Stanley Nwabali, Paul Onuachu, Chidozie Awaziem, and Francis Uzoho as they attempted to restore order. What started as a brief shove soon developed into a full-scale on-pitch scuffle, attracting widespread attention from fans and the media.
Referee attacked at full-time
The chaos did not end with the players as the Senegalese referee Issa Sy came under fire for not awarding a penalty on a handball by Semi Ajayi in the first half.
Algerian players expressed outrage at full-time, creating a tense scene that required stadium security to step in for the referee’s safety.
Mixed-zone tensions followed the pitch-side drama after an Algerian journalist was seen physically confronting a Nigerian reporter before Moroccan security intervened. Authorities detained two Algerian journalists for questioning, highlighting the serious nature of the incidents.
Even beyond Morocco, tensions flared internationally as reports from Marseille, France, confirmed that Algerian and Nigerian fans clashed on the streets, with some fans burning jerseys of the opposing teams.
Despite the drama, Nigeria’s focus remains on the semifinal, where they will face hosts Morocco.
The Super Eagles’ disciplined performance and clinical finishing underlined why they remain serious title contenders. For Algeria, the match will be remembered not only for the defeat but also for the post-match chaos sparked by Luca Zidane’s actions. \
The events have sparked discussions on sportsmanship, the role of players in maintaining order, and the responsibilities of media and fans in managing emotions after high-stakes games. While the Super Eagles celebrate a historic semifinal spot, the shadow of on- and off-field incidents underscores the intensity and passion surrounding African football at its highest level. Nigeria is aiming to win the AFCON for the fourth time after wins in 1980. 1994, and 2013, but Eric Chelle’s team must first navigate their way past a determined Morocco team.
Source: YEN.com.gh
