AFCON

Libya FA explains their inhumane treatment of Super Eagles delegation

Published

1 year ago

October 14, 2024

Following the outrage that followed Libya’s inhumane treatment to the Super Eagles delegation who had arrived for a scheduled Match Day 4 of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier, the Libyan FA has denied complicity in the plot.

In a statement issued via a reel in the official X handle of the Libyan Football Federation, the body confirmed the inhumane treatment and explained as follows:

“We are deeply concerned about the recent reports surrounding the diversion of the Nigerian national team’s flight ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Libya

“While we regret any inconvenience caused, it is essential to note that such incidents can occur due to routine air traffic control protocols, security checks, or logistical challenges that affect international air travel.

“These are standard procedures at airports worldwide, and delays or rerouting, though unfortunate, are not uncommon. We have the utmost respect for our Nigerian counterparts and want to reassure them that the diversion of their flight was not intentional.

“There are no grounds to accuse the Libyan security teams or the Libyan Football Federation of deliberately orchestrating this incident. Such actions are inconsistent with our values and principles.

“We firmly reject any claims that suggest foul play or sabotage in this situation. It is important to highlight that just last week, our own national team faced significant challenges upon our arrival in Nigeria for the third match of the Africa Cup of Nations qualification.

“Despite the difficulties we encountered, we did not make public accusations nor question the integrity of the Nigerian authorities. Football, in its essence, unites nations, and we are committed to upholding the spirit of fairness and mutual respect both on and off the field.

“In Libya, we pride ourselves on our hospitality and our welcoming nature. We have always prioritized treating all visiting teams, includingour African brothers and other international delegations, with the respect and dignity they deserve

“Hosting these events is a great honor for us, and we strive to ensure that all teams feel safe and respected as our guests. This commitment to equality and hospitality is a core aspect of our culture and tradition.

“We hope that this misunderstanding can be resolved with understanding and goodwill. Our doors are open to our Nigerian brothers and all African teams, and we continue to promote the spirit of unity, sportsmanship, and friendship in the world of football.”

AFCON

Royal Reception For Atlas Lions Despite Afcon Disappointment

Published

4 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Kunle Solaja

On the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, Prince Moulay Rachid, on Monday, received the members of the Moroccan national football team, finalists of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, at the Royal Guest Palace in Rabat.

The Prince was welcomed by the President of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, the Head Coach of the national team, Walid Regragui, and the Atlas Lions players and officials, before posing for a commemorative photograph to mark the occasion.

The royal reception underscored the High Benevolence with which the King has consistently surrounded Moroccan youth, and his firm commitment to their development through sport. It also highlighted the special importance the Sovereign attaches to football as a strategic sector for national progress and international influence.

Shortly after the AFCON final against Senegal, His Majesty King Mohammed VI addressed a message of congratulations to the team, praising their outstanding campaign and exemplary conduct throughout the tournament.

In his message, the King noted that the Atlas Lions, through their “distinguished journey at AFCON Morocco 2025,” had demonstrated that “perseverance, seriousness and team spirit are the path to achieving performance,” while presenting “to the world an example of what Moroccan and African youth can achieve when they trust in their talents and abilities.”

The Sovereign further commended the players’ determination and heroic performance, stressing that their achievements validated Morocco’s strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernising national infrastructure.

“You have also proven, through the determination and the heroic and honourable performance you displayed, the importance of our strategic vision of investing in human capital and modernising the Kingdom’s infrastructure, which has demonstrated its resilience and world-class level of preparedness in anticipation of hosting the 2030 World Cup,” King Mohammed VI said.

Morocco finished as runners-up at AFCON 2025, reinforcing the country’s growing stature as a football powerhouse and a leading sporting destination on the African continent.

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AFCON

Senegal coach Thiaw jeered by journalists, walks out of press conference

Published

18 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw gestures for his players to leave the pitch after a penalty is awarded to Morocco REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

Senegal coach Pape Bouna Thiaw was roundly jeered and then walked out of his scheduled post-match press conference as the drama of Sunday’s contentious Africa Cup of Nations final continued well after the final whistle.

Thiaw ordered his players off the field in protest at a penalty awarded against them before they returned to beat hosts Morocco 1-0 after extra time and win the trophy.

Thiaw had been expected to explain his decision at the post-match press conference, but when he entered the room, the coach was jeered by Moroccan journalists while their Senegalese counterparts clapped.

Failure by officials to quieten a rowdy room led to Thiaw leave.

The Senegal coach was central to the farcical scenes that clouded the final and could face heavy sanctions from the Confederation of African Football.

The penalty was awarded following a VAR check by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala after Brahim Diaz had been tugged to the ground by Senegal full back El Hadji Malick Diouf while defending a corner five minutes into stoppage time.

But Senegal reacted angrily to the decision and walked off, some players going down the tunnel and into their changing room. It took 14 minutes before they returned and goalkeeper Edouard Mendy saved Diaz’s poorly taken Panenka-style chipped spot kick.

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AFCON

Blow for Africa Cup of Nations after farcical final

Published

19 hours ago

January 19, 2026

Kunle Solaja

Senegal coach Pape Thiaw calls for his players to leave the pitch after a penalty is awarded to Morocco REUTERS/Amr Abdallah Dalsh

African football would have been hoping for a thrilling end to a slick and competitive Cup of Nations tournament, but will wake up on Monday with a major headache after the final between Senegal and hosts Morocco descended into farce.

Senegal, who won 1-0 after extra time, staged a walk-out after they had a penalty awarded against them deep in stoppage time at the end of the match.

They were ordered off the field by their coach, Pape Bouna Thiaw, with some players going back to the dressing room, and it was only after Sadio Mane cajoled them back that the game continued.

“What did we say to each other? That’s between us. We did it together, and we came back together, that’s all that matters,” said goalkeeper Edouard Mendy, one of those involved in ugly scenes of jostling and arguing between the players.

A 14-minute delay between the awarding of the penalty, after a lengthy VAR review, and the taking of the kick was followed by a tame effort from Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, who had been their star performer as they reached the final for the first time in 22 years.

His Panenka-style chipped effort floated into Mendy’s arms, leaving the game goalless and having to go into extra time.

“He attempted the Panenka, but I stayed on my feet. We kept the team in the game, and I helped my team at that moment,” Mendy added

Morocco coach Walid Regragui said the delay did not help Diaz.

“But that doesn’t excuse Brahim for the way he hit the penalty. He hit it like that and we have to accept it. We were one minute from being African champions. That’s football. It’s often cruel. We missed what for some was the opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.

SUPERB WINNING GOAL

Pape Gueye won the trophy for Senegal with a superb strike four minutes into extra time, handing his country their second trophy in the last three editions and extending Morocco’s poor record in the tournament, which they have won once previously, 50 years ago.

But Senegal’s success will be overshadowed by the controversy of the walk-off, blemishing the image of the African game, which only days earlier had boasted of record worldwide revenue for its showpiece tournaments as interest spread worldwide.

“The image we’ve given of Africa is shameful,” added Regragui.

“A coach who asks his players to leave the field … What Pape did does not honour Africa. He wasn’t classy. But he is a champion, so he can say whatever he wants”

His Senegal counterpart, Thiaw, could face sanctions for his actions.

However, he missed the chance to discuss the controversy when his post-match press conference was called off after he was jeered by Moroccan journalists when he entered the room, while their Senegalese counterparts applauded him.

-Reuters

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