Organizers have warned that players, team officials and journalists will face disciplinary action if found guilty of misconduct.
Published January 12, 2026
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Saturday launched an investigation into the “unacceptable conduct of players and officials” who clashed on the pitch at the end of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final match between Algeria and Nigeria, warning of possible disciplinary action.
“CAF has referred the matter to a disciplinary committee for investigation and called for appropriate action to be taken if the individuals identified are found guilty of any wrongdoing,” African football’s governing body said in a statement on Monday.
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There was tension on the pitch at the end of the game in Marrakech, Morocco on January 10, as second-half goals from Victor Osimhen and Akole Adams gave Nigeria a 2-0 victory.
Referee Issa Sy was escorted off the field by furious Algerian team staff. A video clip showed the rhino still being tracked in a mixed media and broadcast zone on its way to the hut.
Any disciplinary action could affect the Super Eagles as they prepare for a semi-final showdown with Morocco on Wednesday.
“CAF strongly condemns any inappropriate behavior that occurs during the match, particularly towards the refereeing team and match organizers,” the CAF said in a statement.
Video showed accredited media struggling in the mixed zone as players waited to pass for interviews after the game.
The Algerian federation also confirmed that it had lodged a complaint with CAF over Sai’s performance.
“The Algerian Football Federation cannot ignore the referee’s performance observed during the last match, which raised many questions and caused considerable confusion,” it said in a statement.
“Certain decisions undermined the credibility of African referees and did nothing to enhance the value of continental football on the international stage.”
CAF said it was also investigating the events of Friday’s last-eight tie between the hosts and Cameroon.
That match, played in Rabat, Morocco, was won 2-0 by Morocco, but the Indomitable Lions were particularly unhappy with the refereeing, including the denial of a penalty for a challenge on Manchester United’s Brian Mbeumo in the second half.
