AFCON 2025 saga: First Nigerian to win Champions League with Barcelona questions CAF’s decision

Mar 18, 2026 - 17:00
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AFCON 2025 saga: First Nigerian to win Champions League with Barcelona questions CAF’s decision

Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala has publicly protested the Confederation of African Football's (CAF) decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and retrospectively award it to Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

​On Tuesday evening, CAF sent shockwaves through the global football community by announcing that the Teranga Lions of Senegal would be stripped of their AFCON 2025 crown. The continental body has instead named Morocco as the official champions.

The 2025 tournament ended amidst a cloud of controversy, with Morocco feeling aggrieved over the chaotic scenes that unfolded during the final.

Senegal vs Morocco AFCON Morocco Penalty taken by player Brahim Diaz 10
Senegal vs Morocco AFCON Morocco Penalty taken by player Brahim Diaz 10 Copyright: ImagoxOumaimaxSouaidix

Following a formal petition by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Africa’s highest governing body ruled that Senegal had violated Article 84 of the AFCON regulations.

Consequently, the title was revoked — a move that has cast a dark shadow over CAF’s credibility and drawn fierce criticism from pundits and players alike.

Asisat ​Oshoala Reacts to AFCON 2025 Trophy Shift

Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala with her CAF POTY Award
Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala with her CAF POTY Award (Photo credit:X)

​Asisat Oshoala, arguably the greatest and most decorated female footballer to ever emerge from the continent, has been among the most high-profile figures to speak out against the ruling.

​Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the former Barcelona and Bay FC star reacted to a post confirming Morocco as the new champions with a stinging six-word rebuttal: “In CAF's books, not our books.”

​For months, CAF has faced accusations of pandering to Moroccan influence, and this latest development has only fueled those claims.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco
CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Achraf Hakimi of Morocco. Copyright: ImagoxGoranxStanzl/PIXSELL

Throughout AFCON 2025, the North African giants were often described as larger than life, with several of their matches marred by questionable officiating.

​While Senegal has confirmed they will escalate the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), the damage to CAF's reputation appears done.

Senegalese players celebrating AFCON 2025 win
Senegalese players celebrating AFCON 2025 win (Photo by Imago)

Regardless of any future legal ruling, the governing body’s decision has left a massive dent in the perceived integrity of African football leadership.

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