Wow… what a dramatic end to a beautiful tournament.
I flew into Casablanca with friends for Nigeria’s bronze match — and ended up staying through the closing weekend. We saw Nigeria live, and watched the final (Morocco vs Senegal) from a rooftop bar, surrounded by Africans from everywhere. It felt like a cultural festival: laughter, food, banter, unity.
But the final itself? Mad. 😅 ..Possibly the most controversial AFCON match I’ve ever seen. A penalty awarded against Senegal, led Coach Pape Thiaw to call his players off the pitch. FIFA president, Infantino reportedly fuming that the decisions taken by match officials must always be respected. However, I’m not sure if he addressed the quality of the officiating.
Now, as a neutral bystander I actually agreed with the awarding of a penalty. But the Congolese referee’s overall performance? Questionable. Quick to punish Senegal, oddly lenient elsewhere. That inconsistency is exactly what fuelled the chaos we all witnessed.
For a moment, it looked as though the final might be abandoned. Thankfully, wisdom stepped in — including my old friend Claude Le Roy, the Frenchman who once coached Ghana’s national team and remains an elder statesman of African football. I watched him speaking to Mané and could almost hear his calm voice saying: “You’re a leader. Get back on the pitch. This doesn’t look good for African football — and don’t forget, sanctions could cost you the World Cup.” Whatever he said, it worked 🙌🏽.
I supported the walk-off. Not as a tantrum — but as a symbolic protest against poor officiating. You may not agree, and that’s fine. But sometimes, you need to say: I see what’s happening. That said, I’m equally glad the match continued. Especially when the god of football finally woke up — and “served breakfast”. I have no doubt that FIFA will still dish out sanctions 🤓
Anyway, for now… Senegal lifted the trophy 🏆 . Thoroughly deserved 🎉 .
As Nigerians, I don’t even feel we qualify to criticise referees 😋 🤦🏽♀️😂 (see https://lnkd.in/eWBTt-f6). But let’s be honest: officiating across the tournament was poor. CAF refs need serious training.
To the majority of Morocco: You are a warm, generous nation doing so much for African football. Please keep pushing, keep leading. I’m so glad I came — the love, unity and hospitality you showed was unforgettable.
As Nigerians, we understand the pain of coming so close and falling short. We’ve lived it — not just this year, but many times before. That’s why our hearts go out to you. Your team played with pride, and your support for others — including Nigeria — showed true African spirit, and for that we say, “Merci Beaucoup” ❤️ 💚
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