CAF Appeal’s Committee’s Decision On Afcon 2025 Final , An Embarrassment Says Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim , Faults Referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngambo
By Nasiru Abdullahi Kobi
The African football community has been thrown into intense debate following the controversial decision by the (CAF) Appeal’s Committee, which declared Morocco as winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The ruling came after a successful appeal by the host nation, overturning the on-field result that initially saw Senegal popularly known as the Teranga Lions secure a narrow 1-0 victory in a dramatic and chaotic final.
The decision has since generated widespread reactions from stakeholders, analysts, and football enthusiasts across the continent, raising serious concerns about governance, fairness, and the credibility of Africa’s largest football competition.
Speaking in Bauchi , during an interview with Sahel Sports, Comrade Abdullahi Ibrahim, a former member of the Organisation and Disciplinary Committee, O&D of the (NFF), described the verdict as “shocking” and “embarrassing” to African football.
According to Abdullahi, the controversy surrounding the final could have been avoided, if the match officials had strictly adhered to the established rules of the game.
He questioned the decision by centtre referee Jean-Jacques Ndala Ngamb , for allowing the match to proceed to completion, despite being aware of alleged infractions tied to CAF regulations specifically Rules 82 and 84—which reportedly formed the basis of Morocco’s appeal.
Ibrahim said “The situation raises serious questions about officiating standards and regulatory enforcement during such a high-profile tournament,” .
He further said “Allowing the match to conclude under disputed conditions has now led to a decision that undermines confidence in the system.”
Ibrahim, who is the former Secretary of Wikki Tourists FC has warned that the ruling could have an far-reaching consequences for African football.
He noted that the decision, which is perceived as unjust and inconsistent risk damaging the reputation of the AFCON tournament with potentially discouraging the participation from member nations in future editions.
He stated that “this is not just about one match or two countries, It is about the integrity of the competition.
If stakeholders begin to lose faith, the long-term impact on African football could be significant.”
Meanwhile, Senegal is reportedly preparing to challenge the CAF Appeal Committee’s decision at the (CAS), the highest authority for resolving global sports disputes.
Abdullahi expressed optimism that the court would thoroughly review the case and possibly overturn the ruling in the interest of fairness and justice.
He also used the opportunity to call on all participating nations to strictly comply with competition rules and regulations in future tournaments, emphasizing that discipline and adherence to established guidelines are essential to preserving the integrity of the sport.
As the controversy continues to unfold, many observers believe the outcome of the anticipated CAS proceedings could set a judicial precedence on how disputes are handled in African football .
For now, the AFCON 2025 saga remains a defining moment , one that has reignited discussions about governance, transparency, and accountability within CAF, and the urgent need to restore trust in the continent’s flagship football competition.
