CAF AFCON 2025 Scandal: Nigeria Faces Backlash Over Appeal Panel President Identity
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a controversial decision by overturning the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final between Senegal and Morocco. This unprecedented move has stripped Senegal of their hard-earned title, sparking widespread debate and backlash across the continent.
The Controversial Final Match
The 35th edition of the prestigious tournament was marred by significant controversy, with numerous questionable refereeing decisions and disruptive incidents involving players, ball boys, and fans of the Atlas Lions. One of the most contentious moments occurred when referee Jean-Jacques Ndala disallowed what appeared to be a legitimate Senegal goal during the second half, citing a foul in the build-up.
Tensions reached a boiling point deep into stoppage time when the official awarded a penalty to Morocco in the 90+6 minute following a challenge on Brahim Diaz. This decision triggered chaos on the field, with Senegal's coaching staff instructing players to head to the dressing room, resulting in a stoppage of over fifteen minutes.
As players and officials gathered around the technical area, clashes erupted between fans in the stands, necessitating police intervention to restore order. After calm was eventually restored, Sadio Mane urged his teammates to return and complete the match. Play resumed, and Senegal secured a 1-0 victory in extra time thanks to a decisive goal from Pape Gueye, according to official CAF records.
CAF's Drastic Decision and Nigerian Involvement
Following the tournament, CAF released a statement sanctioning both teams and several individuals, including Achraf Hakimi, the 2025 CAF Player of the Year. However, the most significant development came when CAF's Appeal Board made the extraordinary decision to strip Senegal of their AFCON 2025 title after Morocco appealed the earlier verdict.
Nigeria is now facing considerable backlash after the identity of the CAF Appeal Board president was uncovered. Justice Roli Daibo Harriman, a Nigerian judge, led the panel that made this controversial ruling. In a viral tweet on X, it was revealed that Justice Harriman was assisted by Faustino Varela Monteiro from Cabo Verde as the Vice President.
Other members of the CAF Appeal Board included Moez Ben Tahar Nasri from Tunisia, Moses Ikanqa from Namibia, Hamoud T'feil Bowbe from Mauritania, Mohamed Robieh Djama from Djibouti, Asogbavi Komlan from Togo, Justice Masauko Timothy Msungama from Malawi, and Lubamba Ngimbi Hector from DR Congo.
Expert Reactions and Criticism
Dr. Jimoh Ayinla, former Provost of Kwara State College of Education and former chairman of Kwara United Football Club, expressed strong concerns about the decision. In an exclusive comment, Ayinla explained that this ruling would put African football in a negative light and suggested that the continental body should have maintained the heavy sanctions imposed on the Atlas Lions instead of reversing the trophy decision.
"Honestly, the decision to reverse the trophy was unnecessary; imposing sanctions on the team would have been the more appropriate course of action," Ayinla stated. "Anyway, it doesn't stop there; the verdict can be taken to FIFA. We should also wait to see the reaction from the Senegal national team, whom Confederation of African Football has now crowned winners of the 2025 edition."
Ayinla further warned that this decision could set a dangerous precedent if allowed to stand, noting that his research area focuses on "the effectiveness of the FIFA arbitration tribunal in resolving football crisis." He expressed confidence that the decision would not withstand challenge if properly contested through established football governance channels.
Football Community Response
Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala has also reacted to CAF's ruling on the 2025 AFCON final. The four-time African Women's Player of the Year has insisted that the Senegal national team remain the rightful winners of the 2025 AFCON, adding her voice to the growing chorus of criticism against the decision.
The controversy continues to unfold as football authorities, players, and fans across Africa await further developments and potential appeals to higher football governing bodies. The identity of the Nigerian judge leading the appeal panel has become a focal point in discussions about transparency and fairness in African football governance.
