The Birmingham City defender was involved in a tense confrontation with Algeria winger Anis Hadj Moussa in the 68th minute, a moment that drew the attention of players, officials and supporters inside the stadium.
Osayi-Samuel was attempting to shield the ball when Hadj Moussa challenged him aggressively, prompting a shove from the Algerian forward.
The Nigerian reacted instantly, confronting the Feyenoord attacker, who responded with another push before referee Issa Sy stepped in to restore calm. The Senegalese official eventually cautioned Hadj Moussa.
Speaking after the match, Osayi-Samuel admitted that emotions got the better of him during the incident.
“I was agitated because he punched my face. He hit my face, you know, and I overreacted,” the defender said.
“In the moment, we were winning 2-0, so really and truly I should not have done it, I should’ve just ignored it, but you know I overreacted. It’s football, you know.”
Despite the brief flashpoint, Nigeria stayed focused to see out the game and book a place in the semi-finals.
Attention has now shifted to the last four, with the Super Eagles intensifying preparations for their blockbuster clash against Morocco. The team will train behind closed doors on Monday at the Complexe Mohammed VI in Rabat, with the session scheduled to begin at 6.00 pm local time.
Players and officials are expected to arrive in Rabat from Fès earlier in the day and will be accommodated at the Rihab Hotel. Media representatives will be granted access to the opening 15 minutes of Tuesday’s training session.
Nigeria and Morocco are set to face off on Wednesday at the Prince Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, with a place in the AFCON final at stake.
https://www.naijanews.com/2026/01/12/he-hit-my-face-osayi-samuel-speaks-on-algeria-clash-as-nigeria-shift-focus-to-morocco/