Photo: Morocco’s Abdelhamid Sabiri being congratulated by teammates after scoring the opening goal in yesterday’s match.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has stripped the Teranga Lions of Senegal of their AFCON 2025 title.

The continental football governing body says its Appeal Board ruled that Senegal forfeited the match by leaving the pitch according to its tournament regulations.

The Appeal Board awarded Morocco a 3-0 victory win, and crowned the Atlas Lions the AFCON 2025 champions.

Senegal faced hosts Morocco in the AFCON 25 final in Rabat, and Morocco were awarded a last-minute penalty that was disputed despite VAR confirmation.

The Senegalese players stormed off the pitch in protest, but returned several minutes later to continue the match.

Brahim Diaz’s penalty was saved, and Senegal went on to score an extra-time winner and clinch a second AFCON title.

Morocco appealed Senegal’s action of leaving the pitch, but CAF’s disciplinary board ruled in favour of Senegal, leading to an appeal by Morocco’s Football Federation.

The world’s football governing, FIFA has fined Nigeria national football team and DR Congo national football team, for incidents that occurred during the FIFA 2026 qualifying match played on November 16, 2025.

DR Congo beat Nigeria 4–3 on penalties in Morocco to advance to the intercontinental play-offs.

According to FIFA, Nigeria was penalised for a breach relating to order and security at matches, specifically involving the throwing of objects by spectators under Article 17 and Article 17.2.b of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, and the NFF was consequently fined 1,000 Swiss francs.

On their part, the DR Congo federation received a heavier sanction after supporters were found to have used laser pointers or similar electronic devices during the match.

The act contravenes Article 17.2.d of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, leading FIFA to impose a 5,000 Swiss francs fine on the Congolese body.

Nigerian football is in mourning following the death of Henry Nwosu, a legendary former Super Eagles (previously known as Green Eagles) midfielder and member of the iconic 1980 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) winning team.

Nwosu passed away in the early hours of Saturday at approximately 4:00 a.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) in Ikeja, Lagos.

He had been receiving intensive care treatment there since Wednesday after battling a prolonged illness for several days.

The sad news was confirmed by his former teammate and fellow 1980 AFCON winner, Segun Odegbami, who shared an emotional tribute on social media.

Odegbami described Nwosu affectionately as the “Youngest Millionaire,” referring to his status as the youngest player in Nigeria’s triumphant 1980 AFCON squad that claimed the nation’s first continental title on home soil.

Born on June 14, 1963, in Imo State, Nwosu was widely celebrated for his exceptional vision, creativity, technical skill, and midfield mastery. He represented Nigeria in multiple AFCON tournaments, including 1982, 1984, and 1988, and also scored Nigeria’s lone goal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics.

After retiring from playing, Nwosu remained influential in Nigerian football as a coach and mentor. His death comes just days after the passing of another football icon, former Super Eagles coach Adegboye Onigbinde, who died on March 9 at age 88.

The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the broader football community have expressed deep sorrow, describing Nwosu’s passing as a significant loss to the nation’s sporting heritage.

Tributes have poured in from across Nigeria, with many calling for better support systems for retired footballers.

Nwosu is survived by family and a legacy that inspired generations of Nigerian players.

May his soul rest in peace.