Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez has announced that the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be his final appearance in the continental tournament, following the Desert Foxes’ 2-0 quarter-final defeat to Nigeria.
The Super Eagles secured victory through goals from Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams, ending Algeria’s campaign in Morocco and setting up a semi-final clash with hosts Morocco on Wednesday.
Speaking after the match, Mahrez reflected on the disappointment of exiting at the quarter-final stage and confirmed his decision to retire from AFCON competitions.
“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 the AFCON exit, Mahrez is expected to continue as a key figure for Algeria, leading the team into the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
