Luca Zidane and Rafik Belghali suspended for unsporting behaviour following AFCON exit

While Zidane will miss two games, Belghali has copped a four-match ban and both players will serve their suspensions during qualifying for the 2027 AFCON.

The Algerian football federation has also been fined $100,000.

While a scuffle broke out between both sets of players and staff at the final whistle, Zidane was cited for shoving Nigeria midfielder Raphael Onyedika while Belghali was slammed for his actions in chasing the referee down the tunnel after the match.

Tensions had started to rise after Algeria were denied a penalty with the game locked at 0-0. Second-half goals by Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams ultimately sealed the win for Nigeria.

In response, the Algerian Football Association have lodged an appeal.

"The Algerian Football Federation informs the public of the decision rendered by the Disciplinary Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) regarding the incidents that occurred during the Algeria-Nigeria match, played on January 10, 2026, for the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations," the statement read.

"Following these decisions, the Algerian Football Federation immediately initiated the appeals process stipulated by the regulations in force to contest these sanctions.

"The FAF will follow developments in this case very closely and reaffirms its commitment to defending the interests of Algerian football, in strict compliance with regulatory and institutional channels."