Abuja: Former Nigerian international, Segun Odegbami, has faulted the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for awarding the hosting rights of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to Morocco, arguing that Senegal’s achievements and readiness should have earned it the honour.
Continuing his reaction, Odegbami characterised CAF’s decision to overturn the January 18 final result as “bizarre, condemnable, and lacking justification.”
He noted that Senegal was crowned champions and celebrated globally before the verdict was reversed on technical grounds.
“It is unheard of in football history. You cannot take away a trophy won on the pitch two months later,” he said.
As a result of the decision, Odegbami said it had sparked outrage among football fans and stakeholders worldwide.
He added, “This judgment has shaken CAF’s credibility. It is not surprising the world is up in arms.”
Building on his criticism, the ex-Nigerian Football Legend questioned the motive behind the decision, describing it as risky and unpopular.
He inquired, “What considerations could have led to a decision that so significantly undermines the spirit of the game?”
Odegbami said that although football regulations may not cover every situation, rare cases require wisdom.
He asserted, “In this AFCON incident, it is imperative that regulations and sound judgment are harmonised.”
He recalled that Senegal was crowned by CAF and FIFA officials in front of a global audience.
He commented, “Two months later, CAF pronounced what I consider a ‘poisoned verdict’ through the Appeals Committee.”
Further clarifying the situation, Odegbami explained Morocco’s protest was first dismissed but later upheld on appeal.
He described the decision to overturn a final match result as one of the most contentious in history.
He said the rules on walkouts are clear, but must be applied with context.
According to him, Senegal players walked off after a late penalty was awarded to Morocco, staying away for 17 minutes.
He remarked, “Ordinarily, such conduct would mandate forfeiture. However, the referee’s decision to resume the match altered the circumstances completely.”
Odegbami noted that petitions can alter results, but argued that the AFCON final was different.
He maintained, “If this had been a qualifier, CAF’s decision might be unchallenged. However, this was the final match.”
He stressed that the trophy had been awarded and the celebrations had concluded before the reversal.
He contended, “There ought to be no avenue for post-match litigation in a final of such magnitude.”d.
Odegbami maintained that the referee’s decision to restart play nullified the forfeiture clause.
“The match resumed, Morocco missed the penalty, Senegal scored and won fairly,” he said.
He maintained that CAF lacked any legitimate grounds to overturn the result after a champion was recognised.
He advised, “Any necessary sanctions for violations should be applied, but the final result must remain untouched.”
Odegbami urged CAF to review its regulations and restore Senegal as champions.
He recommended, “At this juncture, CAF ought to reconsider its position and restore the trophy to Senegal.”