A Nigerian sports content creator, Tokoni, has shared an emotional reflection on his experience in Morocco during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), praising the warmth, openness and hospitality he encountered throughout the tournament.

According to a report by Moroccan outlet Morocco World News, Tokoni captured his experience in a video shared by Football Fans Tribe, which shows him freely engaging with Moroccan supporters, marked by smiles, conversations, and moments of genuine connection. In one clip, he is seen handing over his Super Eagles jacket to Moroccan fans following an animated discussion about Nigeria and its national team.

Another moment in the video highlights the cultural exchange that defined the tournament, as Tokoni and a Moroccan supporter sing along to a song by Nigerian music star Rema, symbolising the bond forged between fans beyond football rivalry.

The video also features a montage of Tokoni’s experiences across Morocco, including dancing with locals, celebrating in public spaces and reliving the warm reception Nigerian fans received during AFCON 2025.

Reflecting on the tournament, Tokoni urged fans to look beyond the controversial final, stressing that it should not define the competition.

“This is the tip of the iceberg. Everybody who came to visit during the tournament — that final will not define the tournament. Whatever happened in the final, happened. And we move on,” he said.

While acknowledging Senegal’s triumph on the pitch, Tokoni argued that Morocco emerged as the true winner off it.

“The Lions of Teranga may have won the tournament, but in reality, the title should be given to Morocco because they are the Lions of hospitality. This is what Morocco achieved in this tournament,” he added.

He explained that his experience in Morocco stood out from previous tournaments he had attended, largely due to the friendliness and accessibility of the local people.

“I befriended so many locals in Morocco that I didn’t do in previous tournaments I attended, because of how accessible and how simple Moroccan people are,” Tokoni said.

Away from football, he also recalled a personal highlight of his stay — a visit to Ifrane, where he experienced snow for the first time in his life.

“We take away the experience, we take away the positives, the friends we have made and the goals we celebrated,” he noted.

Tokoni also commended Morocco’s sporting infrastructure, singling out the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium as one of the finest stadiums in the world. He concluded his message with a note of gratitude to the host nation, saying: “Choukran Morocco. Dima Maghreb.”

The video has since resonated widely online, serving as a reminder that beyond results and rivalries, AFCON 2025 was also defined by shared culture, connection and hospitality.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has withdrawn Ousmane Keïta, chairman of its Disciplinary Committee, from all proceedings related to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Morocco and Senegal.

The development was disclosed by Egyptian journalist Mohamed Saïd, who is regarded as being close to CAF’s internal processes. The decision comes amid ongoing reviews of the controversial incidents that marred the final in Rabat, which Senegal won 1–0 after extra time.

The showpiece match was overshadowed by a series of contentious moments, including on-field protests, heated confrontations and post-match scenes that generated widespread debate across the African football community.

Sources indicate that Keïta, a Senegalese national, was stepped aside to eliminate any perception of a conflict of interest and to reinforce confidence in the integrity and transparency of the disciplinary process. CAF’s Vice-President from Kenya has since been appointed to take charge of the case and oversee the investigation.

CAF is currently studying official match reports, video footage and other relevant materials from the final, with possible disciplinary action still under consideration. The continental body has stressed its determination to uphold the integrity of its competitions and ensure respect for match officials and regulations.

No sanctions have been announced so far, but CAF is expected to conclude its deliberations in the coming days, following what has been described as one of the most controversial AFCON finals in recent history.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H

Senegal midfielder Idrissa Gueye has dismissed claims that players of the Teranga Lions were poisoned ahead of their dramatic victory over Morocco in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speculation over alleged foul play intensified after three Senegal players, Krépin Diatta, Pape Matar Sarr and Ousseynou Niang, reportedly fell ill and collapsed shortly before and during the final in Rabat.

The unexplained incidents fuelled rumours across social media and sections of the media as Senegal were forced into late changes and a makeshift line-up for the title decider.

The final itself was marked by controversy and high drama, including on-field protests, a brief walk-off and a missed Panenka penalty by Morocco’s Brahim Díaz, further adding to the tension surrounding the match.

However, Gueye moved to quash the poisoning allegations, stressing that Senegal’s preparations and security measures were thorough and professionally handled.

“The Senegal team’s diet was strictly controlled,” the midfielder said, insisting there was no basis for the conspiracy theories circulating after the match.

Despite the pre-match medical scare, Senegal held their nerve and claimed a 1–0 extra-time victory, with Pape Gueye scoring the decisive goal to secure the country’s second AFCON title.

Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H