CAF appoints Issa Sy to officiate high-stakes Nigeria vs Algeria AFCON Quarter-Final

By James Ike

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has appointed Senegalese referee Issa Sy to take charge of Saturday’s Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final clash between Nigeria and Algeria in Marrakech.

Sy’s appointment follows CAF’s decision to withdraw the initial referee, Omar Artan, amid growing concerns over controversial officiating at the ongoing tournament.

The change is widely viewed as a precautionary step aimed at restoring confidence and easing tension ahead of one of the competition’s most anticipated fixtures.

Issa Sy is not new to the 2025 AFCON, having previously served as Video Assistant Referee during the group-stage match between Morocco and Tanzania.

CAF officials believe his experience and familiarity with the tournament will contribute to a fair and well-managed encounter.

Both Nigeria and Algeria head into the quarter-final with strong momentum and high expectations as they battle for a place in the semi-finals.

Nigeria booked their spot in emphatic fashion, thrashing Mozambique 4-0 to underline their attacking strength.

Algeria, on the other hand, edged past DR Congo with a hard-fought 1-0 victory after extra time in a tense knockout contest.

Today’s meeting also revives memories of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, where Algeria defeated Nigeria 2-1.

That encounter is still remembered for Riyad Mahrez’s dramatic late free-kick that sealed Algeria’s passage to the final.

With history, pride, and a semi-final ticket on the line, the Marrakech showdown promises to be fiercely contested.

Kick-off for the quarter-final clash is scheduled for 5pm Nigerian time.
All eyes will now be on the referee and the players as two African heavyweights renew their rivalry on the continental stage.