Soccer
RABAT, MOROCCO – JANUARY 14: Calvin Bassey, Semi Ajayi and Adam Masina, Abdessamad Ezzalzouli, Nayef Aguerd, Morocco during the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON match between Nigeria and Morocco at Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium on January 14th in Rabat, Morocco. Photo by Segun Ogunfeyitimi Copyright: xshengolpixsx
Former African Women’s Player of the Year Asisat Oshoala has taken a swipe at CAF following the questionable officiating in Nigeria’s loss to Morocco in the semifinal of the 2025 AFCON, Soccernet.ng reports.
The Super Eagles locked horns with the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations hosts, Morocco, on Wednesday at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
It was a game from which much was expected, given the quality both teams had shown in their previous matches at the tournament.
However, the encounter did not produce many fireworks. Although the possession was fairly even, the Atlas Lions were the slightly better side, registering 16 goal attempts compared to Nigeria’s two.
Eventually, after 120 minutes of action, Morocco won the tie via a penalty shootout to advance to the final.
During the game, referee Daniel Laryea made his presence felt, but not for the right reasons. While the Ghanaian referee was not the sole reason the Super Eagles lost, he appeared to favor the Moroccans with several questionable calls, which clearly frustrated the Nigerian players.
This was not the first time referees in charge of Morocco’s games at AFCON 2025 have been put in the spotlight.
In the Round of 16 against Tanzania, a Moroccan defender clearly pushed a Tanzanian attacker in the box, but the referee did not award a penalty, and the game ended 1-0.
Similarly, in the quarterfinal against Cameroon, there was another contentious penalty shout for Bryan Mbeumo that was never scrutinized.
Soccer Asisat Oshoala Calls Out CAF and Morocco After Super Eagles Loss
In recent years, Morocco has been hosting many of CAF’s major competitions. They hosted the last Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which Nigeria won, and they are set to host the next edition later this year.
They also hosted the recent U-23 AFCON, the U-17 AFCON, and now the senior AFCON.
Super Falcons legend Asisat Oshoala has now put Morocco and CAF under the searchlight. Aside from the contentious calls going Morocco’s way in this tournament, the direction of CAF’s awards has also raised eyebrows.
Achraf Hakimi recently won the CAF Player of the Year award, a win many feel was deserved due to his success at the club level.
However, it was the women’s award that caused a stir. The Super Falcons won the WAFCON, and players like Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo were outstanding for both club and country. Despite this, CAF gave the award to Morocco’s Ghizlane Chebbak.
Nigeria’s loss to Morocco on Wednesday, brought things to a head for Oshoala, and she took to social media to share her frustrations regarding the perceived bias.
“The big question here is when will this whole CAF compensation to Morocco end,” Oshoala wrote.
“Awards, tournaments and all……it’s getting boring now. We need other countries to step up. Everything concerning African football happens in Morocco, feels like that’s the new HQ”
Oshoala is a heavyweight on the African continent. In fact, she is undoubtedly the greatest female footballer that the continent has produced.
She has won the CAF best award a record six times. Her rant will definitely have a far reach, and perhaps, things will begin to look a lot less shady henceforth.
Kelvin Omachonu
Kelvin Omachonu is a professional football columnist and sports writer with over half a decade of experience covering major events and delivering captivating, analytically-driven stories.
A graduate of the University of Ibadan, he is fueled by a profound dedication to sports journalism and the beautiful game. His insights have previously been featured in respected outlets, including IndyPress UI, UCJ UI Newshive NG, Sportpremi, and a few others.
Away from work, Kelvin is an avid fan of basketball, enjoys a great movie, and is always discovering new music.
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