CAF appoints new ref for Nigeria, Algeria clash News

Navigation: Home / News / News / CAF appoints new ref for Nigeria, Algeria clash

CAF appoints new ref for Nigeria, Algeria clash

By Daily Sports Nigeria on January 10, 2026

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

CAF had initially named Omar Artan for the encounter but withdrew the appointment amid growing tensions surrounding officiating decisions at the tournament.

Sy is no stranger to the 2025 AFCON, having served as the Video Assistant Referee during the group-stage match between Morocco and Tanzania.

The appointment is expected to calm nerves ahead of the high-stakes encounter as both Nigeria and Algeria battle for a place in the semi-finals.

The Super Eagles booked their place in the last eight with an emphatic 4-0 victory over Mozambique, while Algeria defeated DR Congo 1-0 in extra time.

Saturday’s encounter will be a repeat of the 2019 AFCON semi-final, which Algeria won 2-1 courtesy of a late free-kick from Riyad Mahrez.

The match will kick off at 5pm Nigerian time.

Source Punch Ng

Posted January 10, 2026