Algeria have suffered a major setback in their AFCON 2025 campaign after central defender Mohamed Amine Tougaï was forced to leave the national team’s training camp due to injury.

Following consultations with the medical staff, the decision was taken to release Tougaï so he could begin an immediate treatment and recovery programme. His withdrawal leaves a significant gap in head coach Vladimir Petković’s defensive setup at a critical stage of the tournament.

The timing of the injury could hardly be worse for the Desert Foxes, who are intensifying preparations for a high-stakes quarterfinal showdown against Nigeria’s Super Eagles. With the knockout clash looming, Petković must now rethink his back line as Algeria aim to contain one of the tournament’s most potent attacks.

Tougaï’s absence adds to Algeria’s challenges as they seek a place in the semi-finals, while Nigeria will look to capitalize on any defensive disruption when the two African heavyweights meet.