AFCON
NFF WORKING TO AVOID SUPER EAGLES’ BOYCOTT, BBC REPORTS
According to a report by the BBC, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is working to avoid another national team boycott as it tries to clear an 18-month backlog of bonuses and allowances.
A proposed protest by the players last month, ahead of their 2021 Africa Cup of Nations away fixture, backfired after they let a 4-0 lead slip as Sierra Leone fought back to draw 4-4.
“Our initial plan was to address it before the game in Sierra Leone but we all saw what happened,” one player told BBC Sport Africa as he insisted on anonymity.
“I don’t think they [NFF officials] can keep quiet if they’re unpaid by their bosses. They’re quick to blame the players for defeats but happy to celebrate the success of the team.
“If the players go on strike they blame us for being money hungry and selfish yet this is money they owe us.
“There are [training] camp allowances and match bonuses not paid to us and the technical crew since July 2019 and that’s not good.”
The financially stricken NFF, which receives direct funding from the government, is keen to resolve the pay issue dating back to the continental showpiece event in Egypt last year.
NFF president Amaju Pinnick, who has been forced to seek financial help from sponsors to cater for the various national teams on international assignments, acknowledged the debt to players and coaching staff, but says he is hopeful they will get paid soon.
“We are working with the government very seriously in assuring that it [money] comes out within the next few weeks,” Pinnick told BBC Sport Africa.
“It’s been tough financially for us and we’ve had to depend on support from our sponsors in the last four matches.
“I personally understand the players should be paid what they are owed because we’ve always ensure prompt payment in the past.
“They’ve shown remarkable professionalism, if they can just bear with us, this is something I am hoping to resolve as soon as possible.”
Another player said the issue should have been sorted earlier and revealed that some players felt frustrated and unappreciated.
“NFF officials continue to ignore the players. Some players who played at the Nations Cup are no longer here and those players are also asking questions about the payments,” the Europe-based player said.
“First they said we will get it, then they blamed the pandemic for their inability to pay but it’s untrue. They want us to forget this money but that’s unprofessionally heartless and wicked on their part.”
Pay rows have often surrounded Nigerian teams, with coaches not paid regularly, while players have boycotted training during important qualifiers or at major tournaments over unpaid bonus.
The poor financial position of the NFF has already forced the country to cut their backroom staff and slashed the salaries and allowances of the various national team coaches, excluding Super Eagles manager Gernot Rohr.
-BBC
By Kunle Solaja.
The CAS Director General Matthieu Reeb has stated that the tribunal is prepared to handle the Senegal case against CAF and Morocco efficiently.
“CAS is perfectly equipped to resolve this type of dispute, with the assistance of expert and independent arbitrators,” he said.
“We understand that teams and fans are eager to know the final decision, and we will ensure that arbitration proceedings are conducted as swiftly as possible, while respecting the right of all parties to a fair hearing.”
CAS noted that proceedings will remain confidential while ongoing, with further updates to be provided only when key milestones, such as a hearing date, are confirmed.
The case now sets the stage for a potentially landmark legal battle over the outcome of one of Africa’s biggest football competitions, with the final status of the AFCON 2025 title hanging in the balance.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Decision By CAF
By Kunle Solaja.
The Court of Arbitration for Sport has confirmed receipt of an appeal from the Senegalese Football Federation challenging the outcome of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 final.
In a statement issued in Lausanne on 25 March 2026, CAS said the appeal is directed against both the Confederation of African Football and the Royal Moroccan Football Federation.
The dispute stems from a CAF ruling on 17 March 2026, which declared that Senegal forfeited the AFCON final, awarding the match to Morocco with a 3-0 scoreline.
In its appeal, Senegal is asking CAS to set aside the CAF decision and declare Senegal the rightful winners of the tournament.
The federation has also requested a suspension of the deadline for submitting its full appeal brief, arguing that the CAF decision has so far been issued without detailed grounds.
CAS confirmed that the appeal was officially registered on 25 March and that an arbitral panel will be constituted to hear the case.
Legal Process Underway
Under CAS procedures, the appellant has 20 days to submit a detailed appeal brief, while the respondents, CAF and Morocco, will then have another 20 days to respond
However, due to Senegal’s request to suspend deadlines pending full documentation of the CAF ruling, no clear procedural timeline has yet been established.
As a result, it remains uncertain when hearings will take place or when a final verdict may be delivered.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has strongly refuted circulating claims that Moroccan players walked off the pitch during their decisive 1976 Africa Cup of Nations encounter with Guinea, describing the reports as “false” and lacking any official basis.
In a firm statement, the federation also dismissed speculation that it is seeking to challenge the outcome of the historic match, clarifying that no such incident occurred and no legal action has been initiated with either the Confederation of African Football or the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Statement by the Guinean Football Federation regarding the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations
“The Guinean Football Federation informs the national and international public that it has not initiated any procedure either with the Court of Arbitration for Sport or with CAF in relation to the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations,” the statement read, stressing that the reports are “inaccurate and not based on any official foundation.”
Eyewitness and participant Account Rebuts Claims
Further reinforcing the federation’s position, former Guinea international Ismael Sylla—who featured in the match—dismissed the allegations in an interview with TV5MONDE. He affirmed that the game proceeded normally, with Morocco scoring a late equaliser.
His account directly contradicts the viral narrative, particularly given his presence on the pitch during the decisive stages of the encounter.
Historical Records Back Federation’s Position
Independent verification through archival research by Sports Village Square also found no evidence supporting claims of a Moroccan walkout.
Contemporary reports from outlets such as the Daily Times of Nigeria and L’Équipe, as well as a commemorative video released by FIFA in 2007 to mark CAF’s 50th anniversary, contain no reference to any such incident.
According to the FGF, the match was played on 14 March 1976 in Addis Ababa, with Guinea taking the lead through Souleymane Cherif in the 33rd minute before Morocco equalised in the 86th minute via Ahmed Makrouh, popularly known as “Baba.”
The federation also highlighted that the 1976 tournament format differed from the modern AFCON structure, as the winner was determined through a final group stage rather than a single championship match.
“In accordance with the regulations in force at the time, the competition did not include a classic final,” the statement explained. “The qualified teams played a final group, and the ranking directly determined the winner.”
Morocco ultimately topped the standings to secure their first continental title, with Guinea finishing second and Nigeria third.
FGF Urges Responsible Reporting
The federation called on media organisations and football stakeholders to rely on verified historical records and avoid amplifying unsubstantiated claims.
Reaffirming its commitment to “fair play, mutual respect and the unity of African football,” the FGF said the clarification was necessary to prevent misinformation as debates around AFCON history continue to attract renewed attention.
The statement effectively lays to rest claims of a Moroccan walkout and any suggestion of a pending legal dispute, restoring clarity to one of African football’s most frequently debated historical narratives.
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Congo officials over financial misconduct
Super Eagles’ Friendly Opponents Iran Train Under Tight Media Restrictions Ahead of Clash
CAS Promises Swift but Fair Hearing on Senegal’s Appeal Against CAF and Morocco
- World Cup1 week ago
EXCLUSIVE! Late Filing, Unpaid Fee Doom Nigeria’s Protest Against DR Congo
- World Cup4 days ago
FIFA Cancels Thousands of Hotel Rooms in World Cup Host Cities Amid U.S. Immigration Concerns
- AFCON1 week ago
Morocco Awarded AFCON 2025 Title as CAF Appeal Board Sanctions Senegal
- MLS7 days ago
Messi scores 900th career goal, joins Ronaldo in elite club
- CAF Champions League3 days ago
Ten-man Zamalek hold on in dramatic Otoho clash to reach semi-finals
- World Cup2 days ago
Absent Giants: Big Football Nations Missing from the 2026 World Cup
- Nigerian Football3 days ago
NFF Extraordinary Congress to Set Stage for September Elections in Yenagoa
- AFCON1 week ago
Senegal calls for inquiry into removal of its Africa Cup of Nations title