From statue mode to medical emergency AFCON 2025 delivered another episode nobody ordered but everyone watched. During the Round of 16 clash between Algeria and DR Congo, cameras caught a DR Congo fan standing completely still throughout the match arm raised, expression frozen basically looking like the Statue of Liberty on duty.
Then came extra time.
Algeria scored the decisive goal, sealing a 1–0 victory, and that was when things went from football to full-blown theatre. Moments later, reports claimed the same DR Congo fan collapsed and fainted, unable to handle the emotional damage.
The Celebration Added With Pain
Just when fans thought the goal was painful enough, an Algerian player reportedly made things worse by mocking the fan’s pose during the celebration standing like him with one hand raised, then dramatically falling to the ground while facing the stands.
That single moment sent social media into chaos. For some viewers, it was a funny comedy. For others, it crossed a serious line.
Football celebrations now come with emotional subtitles.
Online Reactions: Laughing, Arguing, and Lecturing
Social media quickly exploded with mixed reactions. Many fans joked that the combination of extra-time pressure, a last-minute goal, and mockery was more than enough to make anyone lose balance spiritually and physically.
Others weren’t laughing at all. A number of users felt the celebration was disrespectful, arguing that African football should not turn historic symbols and emotional moments into mockery. Some even brought deeper cultural and historical context into the debate, saying Africa still has wounds that shouldn’t be joked about so lightly.
And of course, Nigerians joined the conversation some jokingly promising discipline, others calling for better manners and sportsmanship at AFCON.
What do you think, will the decipline come from Nigeria? Or will the disciplinary team be disciplined?
