Tag: CAF

In a surprising  and unprecedented decision, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially overturned the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) final, awarding the title to Morocco national football team following a successful appeal.

The ruling sees Senegal national football team stripped of the title they initially secured on the pitch, with the final result now recorded as a 3–0 forfeiture in favour of Morocco.

The decision was confirmed after Morocco filed a formal complaint to CAF’s disciplinary committee, challenging the events that unfolded during the final. After reviewing the case, the committee ruled that Senegal’s actions constituted a breach of competition regulations, leading to the forfeiture.

At the center of the controversy was a dramatic moment during the final when Senegal players reportedly left the pitch in protest following a disputed decision. According to CAF’s regulations, any team that abandons a match without authorization is subject to disciplinary action, including automatic forfeiture.

CAF stated that violations of its competition rules in delivering the verdict, concluding that Senegal’s conduct warranted the nullification of the original result. As a result, Morocco have now been retrospectively crowned AFCON 2025 champions.

The ruling effectively erases Senegal’s 1–0 victory after extra time, replacing it with a 3–0 administrative win for Morocco. It marks one of the most controversial decisions in the history of the tournament and is expected to generate widespread debate across the football world.

Senegal Crowned AFCON 2025 Champions After Dramatic Final Against Morocco

While CAF has finalized its position, the situation may not yet be fully resolved. Senegal are expected to explore further legal options, including a possible appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, as they seek to challenge the decision and reclaim the title.

The CAF Appeal Board decided that in application of Article 84 of the Regulations of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), the Senegal National Team is declared to have forfeited the Final Match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025 (“the Match”),…

— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) March 17, 2026

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed that Morocco will host the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), putting to rest recent speculation about a possible relocation or postponement of the tournament.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized that Morocco remains fully committed and prepared to stage the tournament, which is scheduled to take place from 17 March to 3 April 2026. The decision ensures that the tournament, which also serves as a qualifying event for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, will proceed as planned.

This announcement comes after discussions in some quarters about the potential for a change of host nation. CAF clarified that Morocco had met all organizational requirements and that there were no obstacles to continuing as hosts.

The 2026 edition of WAFCON will see teams from across Africa compete for continental glory, building on Morocco’s successful hosting of the 2022 WAFCON. CAF’s reaffirmation signals confidence in Morocco’s ability to deliver a world-class tournament, complete with top-notch stadiums, facilities, and fan engagement.

In the first days of February 2026, reports circulated in African media and social channels suggesting that Morocco had withdrawn from hosting WAFCON 2026, and that South Africa might take over. These claims were amplified after South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture, Peace Mabe, publicly stated that South Africa would host the tournament, implying Morocco could no longer stage it. 

This assertion quickly made headlines and sparked debate across sports outlets and social media but it had no formal backing from CAF at the time. Instead, it emerged from contradictory statements within South African government ranks, where the deputy minister’s comments were later refuted by the South African Sports Minister’s office, which clarified that they were speaking about willingness to assist, not a confirmed hosting change. 

For African women’s football, this is a crucial milestone. With increased investment and visibility, WAFCON continues to grow as a platform that showcases the continent’s talent and inspires the next generation of female footballers. Morocco’s hosting is expected to bring in fans from across Africa and beyond, further cementing the tournament’s prestige and influence in global women’s football.

CAF’s statement underscores that the countdown to WAFCON 2026 is on, and Morocco is ready to welcome the continent’s best teams to a festival of football, passion, and empowerment.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled the African Nations League, a brand new annual competition aimed at showcasing Africa’s top national teams and players. The announcement, made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe in Rabat, marks a major restructure in African football, alongside changes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar.

What Is the African Nations League?

The African Nations League is set to be an annual senior national team tournament, designed to give CAF member nations more competitive fixtures outside the AFCON cycle. CAF describes it as a “world-class senior national team competition” that will feature the best African players, including stars based in top international leagues.

This competition is part of CAF’s broader strategy to provide more regular, meaningful football for national teams, increase exposure for African players, and boost commercial opportunities for the continent’s football ecosystem.

Structure and Timing

While CAF has confirmed the launch, the inaugural season is expected to kick off in 2029. The tournament will reportedly feature all 54 CAF member associations, organized into regional groups across North, East, West, Central, and Southern Africa.

Matches are expected to take place during FIFA international windows, with a finals phase determining the annual champion. By structuring the league this way, CAF aims to align with the global football calendar while reducing conflicts with major club competitions.

AFCON Calendar Restructure

The African Nations League is closely linked to CAF’s decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle, starting after the 2028 edition. Previously held every two years, AFCON’s shift creates a gap in the football calendar, which the new league will now fill.

According to CAF, this ensures that African national team football remains exciting and competitive every year, keeping fans engaged even in AFCON off-years.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe highlighted that the league would offer “an annual platform for Africa’s best players to compete at the highest level,” reinforcing the continent’s growing influence in world football.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Awards celebrate the exceptional talents and achievements in African football. Among the most prestigious honours is the African Player of the Year award, recognizing the continent’s top footballer annually.

Nigerian Recipients of the African Player of the Year Award

Nigeria has a rich history of producing world-class footballers who have been honoured with this prestigious award . As of December 16, 2024, Nigerian players have secured the African Player of the Year award eight times, with Ademola Lookman being the latest winner.

Here is a list of Nigerian players who have won the award:

Rashidi Yekini (1993)

Yekini was the first Nigerian to win the award in 1993, following his remarkable performances that led Nigeria to victory in the 1994 Africa Cup of Nations and a strong showing at the 1994 FIFA World Cup. The legendary footballer passed on May 4th, 2012.

Emmanuel Amunike (1994)

Amunike clinched the title in 1994 after playing a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 1994 Africa Cup of Nations triumph and contributing significantly to the national team’s success.

Nwankwo Kanu (1996, 1999)

Kanu is a two-time recipient, winning in 1996 and 1999. His exceptional skills were evident during his tenure with Ajax, Inter Milan, and Arsenal, as well as his contributions to Nigeria’s Olympic gold medal in 1996.

Victor Ikpeba (1997)

Ikpeba earned the award in 1997, following impressive performances with AS Monaco and the Nigerian national team, particularly during the 1998 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

Victor Osimhen (2023)

Osimhen was honored in 2023 after a stellar season with Napoli, where he played a crucial role in their Serie A triumph, and his consistent goal-scoring for the Nigerian national team.

Ademola Lookman (2024)

On December 16, 2024, Lookman became the seventh Nigerian to receive the award. His outstanding year included a hat-trick in Atalanta’s Europa League final victory and significant contributions to Nigeria’s journey to the Africa Cup of Nations final, where he scored three goals.

Ademola Lookman’s remarkable year

Ademola Lookman’s achievements in 2024 have been nothing short of extraordinary. The 27-year-old forward, who plays for Atalanta in Italy’s Serie A, was instrumental in the club’s success, notably scoring a hat-trick in the Europa League final. His domestic league performance was equally impressive, with 17 goals last season and 11 goals in the current campaign. On the international stage, Lookman role has been pivotal in Nigeria’s progression to the Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing three crucial goals during the tournament. 

Upon receiving the award, Lookman expressed immense pride and encouraged perseverance in pursuing dreams despite setbacks. His recognition marks a continuation of Nigeria’s legacy in African football, inspiring future generations of Nigerian footballers to strive for excellence on both continental and global stages.

Nigeria has long been a dominant force in African women’s football, and this is reflected in the number of times Nigerian female players have been honoured with the prestigious CAF Women’s Player of the Year Award. Since the award’s inception in 2001, Nigerian players have won it multiple times, showcasing their exceptional talent and influence in African football. Below is a list of these players and their remarkable achievements.  

Mercy Akide (2001)  

Mercy Akide made history as the first-ever winner of the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award. Known for her goal-scoring prowess, Akide played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s dominance in African women’s football during the late 1990s and early 2000s.  

Key Achievements  

1. Starred in Nigeria’s victories at the Africa Women’s Championship.  
2. Played in three FIFA Women’s World Cups (1995, 1999, 2003).  

Perpetua Nkwocha (2004, 2005, 2010, 2011)  

Perpetua Nkwocha remains one of the most celebrated African footballers of all time. She won the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award a record four times, cementing her legacy as a legend of the game.  

Key Achievements

1. Instrumental in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship wins.  
2. Scored an incredible 11 goals in the 2006 Africa Women’s Championship, setting a record.  
3. Represented Nigeria in four FIFA Women’s World Cups and the Olympic Games.
   

Cynthia Uwak (2006, 2007)  

Cynthia Uwak is another Nigerian star who captured the CAF Women’s Player of the Year award back-to-back in 2006 and 2007. Her speed and technical ability made her a standout player during her era.  

Key Achievements

1. Key figure in Nigeria’s Africa Women’s Championship triumphs.  
2. Played for top clubs in Europe, enhancing her reputation as a world-class forward.
   

Asisat Oshoala (2014, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2022)  

Asisat Oshoala is the most decorated Nigerian female player in CAF history, having won the Women’s Player of the Year award five times. She is widely regarded as one of the best female footballers to come out of Africa.  

Key Achievements  

1. Won multiple Africa Women’s Cup of Nations titles with Nigeria.  
2. Made history as the first African woman to play for FC Barcelona Femeni, where she continues to shine on the global stage.  
3. Played a significant role in Barcelona’s UEFA Women’s Champions League victory in 2021.  
4. She was Named BBC Women’s Footballer of the Year in 2015.
   

Chiamaka Nnadozie (2024): Goal Keeper of the Year

Chiamaka Nnadozie was honored as the Women’s Goalkeeper of the Year in 2024. Her outstanding performances for Paris FC and the Nigerian national team have been pivotal in her recognition.

These accolades highlight the significant contributions of Nigerian female footballers to the sport and their continued influence on the African football landscape.

Nigerian female players have consistently dominated African football, with legends like Perpetua Nkwocha and Asisat Oshoala setting benchmarks for excellence.
Their achievements highlight Nigeria’s strength in women’s football and inspire upcoming players to aim for greatness on both the African and global stages.