Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has confirmed that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be his final appearance at the continental showpiece after the Desert Foxes were eliminated by Nigeria in the quarter-finals.
The North African side fell 2–0 to the Super Eagles in a highly competitive clash on Saturday, with goals from Galatasaray forward Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams securing Nigeria’s place in the semi-finals. The West African giants will now face host nation Morocco on Wednesday.
Speaking after the defeat, the former Manchester City star acknowledged the disappointment of the early exit while reflecting on his AFCON career.
“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 in this new generation, this is their first time participating in the tournament, and they have to go through these moments.”
Despite stepping away from AFCON, Mahrez is expected to continue leading Algeria as they prepare for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be staged across the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
