‘I thought it was a joke’ – Ex-Nigeria star Troost-Ekong on Morocco’s “shameful” AFCON win

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticised the decision to award the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title to Morocco, Soccernet.ng reports.

The 2023 AFCON Most Valuable Player described the situation as deeply troubling and difficult to accept for players across the continent.

The ruling by Confederation of African Football (CAF) to strip Senegal of their title and hand the trophy to Morocco two months after the final has shocked the football world. It is an unprecedented move in African football history and has sparked intense debate about fairness, governance, and the integrity of the competition.

In January’s final, Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 after extra time in a tense contest. However, the match was overshadowed by controversy when Senegal players briefly walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a disputed penalty. Although they later returned to complete the game, CAF’s Appeal Board ruled that this action breached tournament regulations.

According to Articles 82 and 84 of AFCON rules, any team that leaves the field without the referee’s permission can be considered to have forfeited the match. Following an appeal by Morocco’s football federation, CAF reviewed the incident and overturned the original result, awarding Morocco a 3-0 win instead. The decision has raised further questions because it appears to conflict with International Football Association Board (IFAB) laws, which state that the referee’s decision on match results is final.

Morocco's disputed AFCON win: Troost-Ekong reacts

Troost-Ekong did not hide his disbelief when reacting to the news, making it clear that the decision does not sit well with him or, he believes, many players across Africa.

He told The Athletic: “When I first heard the news that the result of this year’s AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco had been overturned, I thought it was a joke. When I realised it was actually real, after reading the official statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), it just made me feel quite sad.”

The defender questioned whether Morocco could truly celebrate such a title, insisting that trophies should always be decided on the pitch.

“Every African player wants to win this tournament but would I celebrate now if I was in Morocco’s shoes? Absolutely not. I would feel ashamed to win like this. It wouldn’t feel right. You have to earn it on the pitch. I don’t think I would be able to accept it, but if you publicly decline a medal or trophy then that also becomes a circus. It definitely can’t be celebrated.”

Drawing from personal experience, he referenced Nigeria’s defeat in the 2023 final to emphasise his belief that results should stand, regardless of the pain.

“I captained Nigeria in the AFCON final two years ago, which we lost 2-1 to the hosts Ivory Coast. I would never go back and change the outcome of a final I was in and lost. I wouldn’t want to change it.”

Troost-Ekong also sympathised with Senegal’s players, suggesting the emotional impact of the decision could be significant.

“I would be so upset to play in a tournament and for the result to be changed afterwards. Senegal will always claim they are the winners, and I would do the exact same thing, but other people will question that now. I can’t imagine how those players are feeling.”

Attention now turns to what happens next. Senegal’s football federation is preparing to challenge the ruling at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, a process that could take up to a year. If successful, the decision could yet be overturned again, potentially restoring Senegal as champions.

Until then, Morocco remain the official winners, ending a 49-year wait for the title.