Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be his final participation in the continental showpiece, following the Desert Foxes’ elimination by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
The North African side bowed out on Saturday after a 2–0 defeat to the Super Eagles in a highly competitive clash at the Marrakech Stadium. Goals from Galatasaray striker Victor Osimhen and Sevilla forward Akor Adams secured Nigeria’s passage to the semi-finals, where they will face host nation Morocco on Wednesday.
Speaking after the game, the former Manchester City star reflected on the end of his AFCON journey.
“This is my last participation in the Africa Cup of Nations, it’s over. It’s sad that my career ends in the quarter-finals. I wished I could have gone further and won a second title,” Mahrez said.
“Winning the Africa Cup of Nations is not easy. Our generation won one before, and that was a great achievement. But for many of this new generation, this is their first time participating in the tournament, and they have to go through these moments.”
Despite his continental exit, Mahrez is expected to continue leading Algeria as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The 2025 AFCON exit marks the end of a distinguished chapter in Mahrez’s African football career, leaving the Super Eagles to focus on their semi-final clash with Morocco and a chance to reach the final.
