Nigeria’s 2-0 quarterfinal victory over Algeria descended into chaos on Saturday as Algerian goalkeeper Luca Zidane was caught in a heated physical altercation at the final whistle.
Despite a dominant Nigerian performance fueled by goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, the match ended in “ugly scenes.”
Furious over a rejected first-half penalty appeal, Algerian players surrounded the officiating team, forcing security to escort the referee from the pitch.
In the ensuing melee, Luca Zidane—son of French legend Zinedine Zidane—was seen grabbing Nigeria’s Raphael Onyedika, requiring teammates and officials to intervene.
The 27-year-old goalkeeper had kept three clean sheets leading up to the match, but his tournament ended in frustration as Nigeria secured their spot in the semifinals.
Nigeria now advances to face Morocco, while the other semifinal features a heavyweight clash between Mohamed Salah’s Egypt and Sadio Mané’s Senegal.
