President Bola Tinubu's spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, has publicly criticised the dramatic and controversial scenes that marred the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Senegal Clinches Title Amidst Controversial Walkout
The Lions of Teranga from Senegal were crowned champions of Africa on Sunday night, January 18, 2026, after a tense and chaotic 1-0 victory over host nation Morocco. The match, held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, was decided by a stunning extra-time strike from Pape Gueye in the 94th minute.
However, the title-deciding moment was almost overshadowed by unprecedented scenes deep into stoppage time at the end of regulation. With the score goalless, the match official awarded Morocco a penalty following a VAR review of a challenge between Senegal's Moussa Diouf and Morocco's Brahim Díaz.
The controversial decision sparked furious protests from the Senegalese camp. In a remarkable turn of events, head coach Pape Thiaw, citing security concerns as tensions boiled over on the pitch, called his players to leave the field. For several minutes, the majority of the Senegal squad remained on the touchline while Moroccan players waited on the pitch, creating a major disruption.
Order Restored Before Dramatic Winner
Calm was eventually restored after interventions from Confederation of African Football (CAF) officials and senior players, with star forward Sadio Mane playing a pivotal role in persuading his teammates to return. Morocco's Brahim Díaz, the tournament's top scorer, then stepped up but missed the crucial penalty, sending the match into extra time.
The decisive goal came from Pape Gueye's magnificent long-range effort, which flew past goalkeeper Yassine Bounou into the top corner, silencing the home crowd of approximately 66,526 fans.
Tinubu's Spokesperson Voices Disapproval
Reacting to the tumultuous events, Bayo Onanuga, the Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Tinubu, took to social media to express his dismay. Onanuga described the final as chaotic and stated it was "Not a good night for African football in Morocco."
His comments underscore the widespread attention the match's controversies have attracted beyond the sporting world, entering the realm of political commentary.
In a related development, Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali, whose Nigeria team was eliminated earlier in the tournament, appeared to revel in Morocco's defeat, sharing a humorous post on social media following the final whistle.
