Algerian national team striker Baghdad Bounedjah has issued a heartfelt apology to the nation’s supporters following their unexpected elimination from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The defeat came after a quarter-final loss to Nigeria.
Speaking after the match, Bounedjah stated, “We thank the fans of the national team for standing by us from the beginning, and we apologize to them.” He expressed his deep disappointment at the team’s early exit from the tournament.
“We wanted to make our fans happy, but we faced an opponent who was physically stronger than us and won more of the individual battles,” the Algerian forward added, highlighting the difficulty of the match and the strength of the Nigerian team. “They proved to be a tough challenge.”
Bounedjah concluded his remarks with a subtle reference to the controversial refereeing decisions that plagued the match. “I don’t know where the VAR referees were during this game, and I can only say, ‘God is sufficient for me, and He is the best disposer of affairs.'”
Bounedjah’s comments reflect the players’ sense of disappointment and perceived injustice. They also underscore their feeling of responsibility towards the Algerian fans, despite the team’s strong performance throughout much of the match. The team had high hopes, but ultimately fell short of expectations in the face of stiff competition.
The early exit has sparked debate among fans and analysts alike, with many questioning the team’s tactics and preparation. The loss marks a significant setback for the Algerian national team. However, Bounedjah’s apology suggests a commitment to learning from the experience and returning stronger in future competitions.
