Algeria head coach Vladimir Petković has conceded that his side were thoroughly outclassed by Nigeria in their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final loss on Saturday, PUNCH Sports Extra reports.
The Super Eagles booked their place in the semi-finals with a commanding 2-0 victory over the Desert Foxes in Marrakech. Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen opened the scoring before turning provider for Sevilla forward Akor Adams, as Nigeria delivered a dominant performance to set up a last-four meeting with tournament hosts Morocco on Wednesday.
Algeria arrived at the tournament determined to turn past disappointments into success, having failed to progress beyond the group stage in previous editions since lifting their second AFCON title in 2019. However, their hopes of going further in Morocco were dashed by a Nigerian side now chasing a fourth continental crown.
Speaking after the match, Petković openly acknowledged Nigeria’s superiority.
“I congratulate the Nigerian team; they deserved to win. They played better than us,” the Algerian coach said. “We couldn’t really get into the game and had to remain focused throughout.”
“I don’t want to go into too many details, but Nigeria was better than us. We were lacking in many areas. We wanted to control the game, but the opponent was strong and didn’t allow us to do so. They showed their individual quality, and physically we were behind. We tried to respond in the second half, but we couldn’t reach the attacking level we wanted.”
Petković added that the defeat had left his players distraught despite their overall showing at the tournament.
“The players are disappointed and devastated. They performed well in this competition, but now it’s over and another tournament awaits. We must keep our heads up after this exit,” he said.
Before the tournament, Petković had stressed the need for accountability and rebuilding with courage and unity. His future with the Desert Foxes remains uncertain following another AFCON setback.
The former Switzerland coach, who took charge of Algeria in February 2024, has overseen an upturn in results, recording 19 wins in 25 matches and leading the team to qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
