Former Super Eagles striker Odion Ighalo has criticized CAF’s controversial decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and award it to Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.
Two weeks ago, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced they had rescinded Senegal's trophy following a petition from the Moroccan Football Federation.
Morocco felt aggrieved by the chaotic end to the final, specifically citing Senegal’s decision to temporarily walk off the pitch in protest. In its March 17 ruling, CAF stated that Senegal’s actions directly contradicted tournament regulations.
However, the ruling has sparked intense backlash, with CAF facing accusations of favoritism toward the North African giants.
These complaints have been exacerbated by questions regarding the quality of officiating in several of Morocco's matches during the tournament.
Ighalo, who served on media duties during the competition, witnessed the events firsthand. While he acknowledged that the ruling technically follows the letter of the law, he was vocal about the foul play and the damage this does to the image of African football.
What Odion Ighalo Said About the CAF's Decision to Award AFCON 2025 to Morocco
The former Manchester United star, who won an AFCON bronze medal with the Super Eagles in the 2019 edition, spoke about the issue with fellow ex-Super Eagles star Ifeanyi Udeze on Brila FM.
”The referee in that game [Morocco vs. Senegal] was a bit biased, but that is football—you understand how it goes,” Ighalo said.
”When Senegal walked off the pitch, I wasn't happy about it. I even said then that Sadio Mané saved African football by convincing his teammates to return and finish the match. They came back, they played, and they won it on the pitch. I believe if CAF wanted to take action, they should have stopped the game right then and there to make a decision.
“Instead, they let Senegal win. Now, months later, they want to take the trophy away. While the rules of the game are the rules and you have to abide by them, I don't understand how they arrived at this. It is not a good look for African football.
”This AFCON took us ten steps forward, but this decision drags us five steps backward. It has given people leverage to start disparaging African football again.
“I always challenge the foreign media outlets that talk down on AFCON and try to discourage players from attending. This is the biggest tournament in Africa; every player should want to represent their country. We are trying to push it and make it elite in the eyes of the world.
“But what just happened brings the competition down again. Now you’re allowing the likes of Jamie Carragher to say things they shouldn't be saying about African football—things they’ve wanted to say for a long time. This just gives them more power to criticize the tournament.
“I want to commend Morocco for hosting a great tournament with beautiful stadiums and infrastructure. But now, it feels like they wanted to win it by any means, and CAF is giving it to them by any means. It feels like foul play.
“We have to go with the rules, and they say the rules are against Senegal—but you can't expect the Senegal players to be happy or willing to return that trophy. If it were me, I wouldn't return it. You can't take it from me,” Ighalo added.
Senegal haven't taken the matter lightly. Immediately after CAF announced their decision, the Senegalese FA announced that they would seek legal redress.
They have already submitted a complaint with the Court of Arbitration for Sports. And they are expected to get a result soon.
