Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Musa Gusau has reacted to the reports of a heated row with Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Nigerian football administrator dismissed reports claiming he was involved in a clash with the CAF vice-president after Nigeria's loss to Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Speaking after the reports gained traction on social media, the NFF Chief described the claims as false and baseless.
NFF Chief reacts to clash with Moroccan FA boss
Gusau revealed that there was no confrontation or exchange of insults between him and the Moroccan football chief.
“I really don’t know where the report is coming from,” Gusau said in a statement released by NFF comms. “Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in football and even at the level of government. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa.”
The NFF president stressed that the alleged incident never occurred. He added that whoever circulated the story was spreading false information.
Speaking further, Gusau firmly denied making any comments about the officiating, both before and after the match.
“Before the match, I publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating,” he explained. “After the match, I made no comments whatsoever. I am totally bemused at where the reporter got his story that Mr Lekjaa and myself engaged in a shouting match because of my comments on the officiating.”
Despite the controversy surrounding the semi-final, which sparked debate among fans and players over refereeing decisions, Gusau maintained a conciliatory tone and went on to praise the tournament organisers.
“As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organising Committee, the Government of Morocco and the Confederation of African Football for organising a very successful AFCON,” he said.
The NFF chief added that the tournament delivered all the glamour and glitz expected of Africa’s flagship competition and would remain memorable for years to come.
