AFCON Final: FIFA President Condemn Chaotic Scenes, as NSC Chairman Looks to CAF Intervention

Jan. 19, 2026, 9:26 a.m.

Football enthusiasts are looking up to the Confederation of African Football, CAF, to take far-reaching decisions to address concerns arising from the final of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco. Senegal lifted the AFCON tournament’s trophy at the end of a feisty final played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday. Senegal stunned Morocco in Sunday’s Africa Cup of Nations final as Pape Gueye’s goal gave them a 1-0 extra-time win over the hosts at the end of a match marred by disgraceful scenes following a controversial penalty award. Brahim Diaz could have won the trophy for Morocco when he stepped up to take the spot-kick in the 24th added minute at the end of normal time. But Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy easily saved the weak attempted chip by the Real Madrid winger, who was clearly distracted by the long delay of almost 20 minutes that followed the penalty award. Congolese match referee Jean-Jacques Ndala gave the penalty right at the end of the allotted eight added minutes following a VAR check for a challenge on Diaz in the box by Senegal defender El Hadji Malick Diouf. FIFA President GIANNI INFANTINO condemned what he described as unacceptable scenes that have overshadowed Senegal’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations final. INFANTINO referred to the decision by some Senegalese players to walked off the pitch in protest at a penalty awarded to Morocco. He said it was unacceptable to leave the field of play in the manner the Senegalese players did, equally warning that violence cannot be tolerated in sport, saying it was simply not right. “We strongly condemn the behaviour of some ‘supporters’ as well as some Senegalese players and technical staff members. It is unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner,” said Infantino in a statement sent to AFP. Similarly; the Chairman of the National Sports Commission, SHEHU DIKKO, said the controversy that greeted the final match was not good for African football. DIKKO, who spoke in a monitored interview, said there are lessons to be learnt from the conduct of the match officials, the Senegalese team and the Moroccan host nation. Speaking further on the participation of the Super Eagles of Nigeria in the AFCON tournament, the NSC Chairman said winning the Third-Place match is a consolation and something to celebrate. On the prospects of Nigeria hosting the AFCON tournament, SHEHU DIKKO said things are looking good to position the country in the next five years, with at least twenty-five new stadiums being built across Nigeria.

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