The Confederation of African Football could have done a better job of explaining its decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations from every two to four years but was standing by it, the organisation’s president Patrice Motsepe said on Saturday.

The decision was announced last month and drew heavy criticism, with several African football personalities alleging it was a measure forced upon Africa by FIFA, whose president Gianni Infantino had six years ago advocated that the Cup of Nations be played four-yearly rather than every two years.

Motsepe rejected the assertions of undue influence from Zurich and said they would go ahead with the Cup of Nations every four years after 2028, plus introduce an African Nations League in 2029.

“We didn’t do as good a job at CAF in preparing the ground for this Afcon every four years. We must make sure that our everyday people, who we account to, must understand what we have done is good for them,” Motsepe told a press conference on the eve of the final between Morocco and Senegal in Rabat.

“This is the right decision. We will indeed have a new competition, and it will be enormously successful. African football will be better,” he added.

“We must free ourselves as Africans and have more confidence in ourselves. It should not be about FIFA says this or UEFA says this. We can be convinced we are doing the right things, but it is important everyone on the continent is convinced we are doing the right things too. We have to educate our people on the decisions we have taken. We know that in two, three years people will see what we are talking about.”

The reason Africa has held its Cup of Nations every two years while other confederations play their championship every four years is because the tournament’s revenue used to provide around 80% of CAF’s budget.

However Motsepe said: “The revenue of the Afcon is significantly less than the revenue we have implemented for the African Nations League. We are absolutely convinced it will work.”

-Reuters

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By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca

Morocco has robustly defended the organisation of the Africa Cup of Nations after criticisms from the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), insisting that the Atlas Lions’ journey to the final was conducted under optimal conditions fully compliant with Confederation of African Football (CAF) standards.

In a detailed response, made available to Sports Village Square, the Moroccan football authorities stressed that Senegal enjoyed first-class treatment throughout the tournament, beginning with their base in Tangier.

The Teranga Lions were housed at the Fairmont Tazi Palace and played all their matches at the Grand Stade de Tanger, giving them stability, comfort and competitive conditions in line with CAF regulations.

Addressing concerns over travel arrangements to Rabat for the final, Moroccan officials clarified that Senegal independently chose to use the high-speed TGV train.

The FSF also publicly communicated the time and date of its arrival at Rabat-Agdal station, which naturally attracted large numbers of Senegalese supporters to the venue. Moroccan authorities said they anticipated this and deployed a comprehensive security operation involving the General Directorate of National Security (DGSN), Auxiliary Forces and station security services.

They stressed that the operation was executed without incident, noting that no member of the Senegal delegation suffered any security breach, disturbance or disruption.

Morocco also rejected claims of unfair treatment regarding accommodation and training facilities. The FSF, officials said, was offered the same options as other teams, including a choice between Hotel Rihab in central Rabat and the Amphitrite Palace in Skhirat for transit accommodation. Senegal freely selected the Amphitrite Palace.

Similarly, the Mohammed VI Football Complex, which is one of Africa’s most advanced training facilities, was initially made available to Senegal, but the FSF opted instead to train at the auxiliary pitch of the Moulay Abdellah Sports Complex, which was duly allocated to them.

On ticketing, Moroccan organisers confirmed that Senegal received its full regulatory allocation of five per cent of tickets for the final, in line with CAF rules, countering claims that staff and players were denied proper access.

Morocco said the clarifications were necessary to protect the integrity of the tournament and reaffirm its commitment to delivering an Africa Cup of Nations organised to the highest international standards, as the country seeks to underline its credentials as a leading host of major global sporting events.

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By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca

Nigeria finally laid to rest their penalty shoot-out nightmare in Morocco on Saturday night as the Super Eagles defeated Egypt 4–2 on penalties to claim the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Last November, the Super Eagles crashed out World Cup qualification after a penalty shoot-out loss to DR Congo.

Just days after their semi-final heartbreak against hosts Morocco, the Super Eagles showed steel and composure at Casablanca’s Stade Mohamed V, holding the Pharaohs to a goalless draw before keeping their nerve from the spot to finish the tournament on the podium.

It is the ninth time that Nigeria will be finishing third in AFCON, just as it is the 17^th time in 21 appearances that the Super Eagles have had a podium finish.

Goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali was again at the heart of Nigeria’s success, as Africa’s most decorated nation overcame their shoot-out scars and turned disappointment into triumph.

Egypt’s stars faltered under pressure, with Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah and Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush both missing their penalties, while Rami Rabia and Mahmoud Saber converted for the North Africans. Nigeria, by contrast, were flawless when it mattered most, sealing a 4–2 shootout victory to secure third place.

The match itself was a tense and tactical affair, with both sides struggling to break each other down.

Egypt threatened early through Mahmoud ‘Trezeguet’ Hassan, whose low cross in the second minute was blocked by Nwabali, before Salah missed a golden chance midway through the first half after a fine assist from Mohamed Hany.

Nigeria thought they had taken the lead in the 36th minute when Akor Adams found the net, but the goal was ruled out after a VAR review for a foul by Paul Onuachu.

After the break, Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle injected pace and purpose by introducing Ademola Lookman, who immediately lifted Nigeria’s attack.

The Atalanta forward had a goal disallowed for offside and twice forced superb saves from Egyptian goalkeeper Mostafa Shobeir, who kept the Pharaohs alive with a string of outstanding interventions.

Egypt coach Hossam Hassan had reshuffled his side, with Mostafa Mohamed leading the line and Shobeir deputising for the injured Mohamed El-Shenawy, while Omar Marmoush was introduced in the second half to add spark. But despite late pressure from both teams, neither could find a breakthrough.

The match went straight to penalties – and this time, Nigeria refused to be denied.

From the trauma of losing shootouts in Morocco, including the World Cup playoff and the AFCON semi-final, the Super Eagles emerged reborn, showing maturity, belief and resilience to finish their campaign with a morale-boosting victory.

For Nigeria, the bronze medal is more than just a place on the podium. It is a statement of character, a symbolic victory over their recent penalty demons, and a fitting reward for a team that fought their way back from heartbreak to end the Africa Cup of Nations with pride.

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