Ighalo Blasts CAF Over Senegal AFCON Title Removal
Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has launched a sharp criticism against the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for its decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title. In a recent interview, Ighalo also took a subtle dig at British football pundit Jamie Carragher, accusing him of disrespecting African football.
Controversial AFCON Final and CAF's Ruling
The controversy stems from the chaotic AFCON 2025 final held on January 18, 2026, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat. Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time, but the match was marred by protests. In the closing seconds of regular time, Senegal's Teranga Lions walked off the pitch under the order of Pape Thiaw to protest a penalty awarded to Morocco. Despite the disruption, Sadio Mane restored order, and Pape Gueye scored the winning goal after Brahim Diaz missed the penalty.
CAF initially sanctioned both Senegal and Morocco for incidents that tarnished the image of African football. However, after an appeal by the Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), CAF's Appeal Board accepted two of four requests, stripping Senegal of the title and awarding a 3-0 victory to Morocco. Notably, CAF rejected Morocco's requests for prize money and the trophy, meaning Senegal retains it until the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) issues a final verdict.
Ighalo's Outspoken Critique
Ighalo, speaking on Brila FM as quoted by Africa Soccer, slammed CAF's decision, arguing it undermines efforts to elevate African football. "This AFCON took us ten steps forward, but this decision drags us five steps backwards. It has given people leverage to start disparaging African football again," he said. He specifically called out Jamie Carragher, who has been accused of disrespecting AFCON in the past, claiming this ruling emboldens such critics. "We are trying to elevate the competition and make it elite in the eyes of the world, but what has happened only brings it down again. Now you’re giving people like Jamie Carragher more reason to criticise the tournament," Ighalo concluded.
Carragher's Response and Broader Reactions
Carragher quickly responded to the controversy, reiterating his stance that AFCON is not a major tournament. As quoted by HITC, he said, "I mean, this is exactly why I said the AFCON isn’t a major tournament. In Europe? In a Champions League final? In a Euros final? This would never, ever happen. You don’t hand out medals one day and then say, 'Actually, change of plan, the other team wins.' Madness!"
This incident has sparked widespread debate in the football community. Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong also criticized CAF's decision, describing it as poor and damaging to Africa's image, suggesting it sets a precedent for overturning on-pitch decisions in boardrooms.
The fallout from CAF's ruling continues to resonate, highlighting ongoing challenges in African football governance and perception on the global stage.
