By Nchetachi Chukwuajah
Nigerians have taken to social media to share their opinions on the decision of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title and award it to Morocco.
This is just as the Senegalese Football Federation has rejected the decision of CAF, as it added that it will challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration of Sport (CAS).
CAF announced the decision to award the title to Morocco on Tuesday, March 17, after its Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the final of the tournament following a successful protest by the Moroccan football federation.
The decision overturned an earlier disciplinary ruling after an appeal by the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, with the board finding that Senegal breached competition regulations.
In their reactions, some Nigerians expressed support for the CAF decision, noting that the Senegalese team did not display sportsmanship by walking out of the match in protest before the final whistle.
On Facebook, Eno Brown wrote, “A good one. I expected it earlier. Congratulations Morocco. You cannot walk out/away from a match and expect to win it. If the Senegalese team remained on the pitch of play, it would have been a different decision for CAF. But walking away means you have forfeited the game. Well done, CAF.”
Boni John added, “Let’s keep sentiment out; people should learn how to keep to the rules of the game or face the consequences of their actions.”
@MuhktarJibril10 tweeted, “Emotional Mane. It was very stupid of him to lead the team out of the pitch and for that long. From hero to zero…”
@idrees_alay added, “I said it the moment Senegal left the field that even if they won, there is the possibility of forfeiting the three points. Anyway, I feel bad for Senegal.”
Others, however, faulted the CAF’s decision, stressing that the ruling could breed distrust in the transparency of the tournament and discourage future participation.
Chukwudi Shakur Onuoha wrote, “A football game is played on the pitch, not on the table.”
Olaleye Omoyele said, “Nations cups are won on the field and Senegal has just done so; nothing will erase that glorious moment, no matter CAF and Moroccan manipulation.”
Lambert Iduwe added, “If Senegal is dismissed, then let the final match be replayed.”
@AlagbaE007 tweeted, “The entire tournament stinks of corruption & compromised officiating and the final decision of CAF has finally proved the street speculation right. The victory of Senegal was the saving grace of the tournament. What a shame for African football. May Senegal reject it.”
@aoidowu1309 added, “What a joke of an appeal. This is embarrassing to say the least. Morocco blatantly cheated through the officiating ref. Senegal is the potential winner of AFCON 2025.”
@AkpusughSughnen wrote, “Footbal Federations in Africa should better stand up against this theatrics. West African nations should pull out of this competition.”
