Osayi-Samuel Admits Overreaction After AFCON 2025 Clash with Algeria

Although Nigeria secured a 2-0 win over Algeria in the AFCON 2025 semi-final, tensions flared during the match at Stade de Marrakech last night.

Birmingham City right-back Bright Osayi-Samuel put in one of his best performances for the Super Eagles, but in the 68th minute he was involved in an altercation with Algerian winger Anis Hadj Moussa.

Osayi-Samuel tried to push the ball out of play, preventing Moussa from touching it. Frustrated, the Algerian shoved the Nigerian defender, who stepped forward to confront him. Moussa then shoved Osayi-Samuel’s throat, prompting referee Issa Sy to issue a yellow card to the Algerian.

The incident is not the first time Osayi-Samuel has faced on-pitch confrontation. While at Fenerbahce, he famously stood up to a fan who came onto the pitch during the Istanbul derby.

After the game, Osayi-Samuel admitted he overreacted. “I was agitated because he hit my face, and I overreacted,” he said. “We were winning 2-0, so really I shouldn’t have done it. It’s football, and sometimes emotions get the better of you.”

Looking ahead to the semi-final against hosts Morocco, Osayi-Samuel said the team is focused. “It’s a big opportunity for me. These are games I dream of. Morocco will be difficult with their fans behind them, but we believe in ourselves and in what the manager wants us to do. We’ll be ready,” he added.

The AFCON 2025 semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco will take place at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah on Wednesday, with kick-off at 9:00 PM WAT.