Former Nigeria U-20 head coach John Obuh during an exclusive interview with Footy-Africa dismissed claims that Senegal’s decision to parade the Africa Cup of Nations trophy in France is “disrespectful,” arguing instead that the confusion stems from CAF’s own administrative failures.
Despite a pending appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) following CAF’s decision to strip the Teranga Lions of their title in favor of Morocco, the Senegalese team has continued to celebrate their victory by parading the trophy before their friendly match against Peru at the Parc de Princess.
“I don’t see it as disrespectful at all,” Obuh told Footy-Africa. “CAF has somehow shot itself in the foot because once you fail to take decisions when they are supposed to be taken, your [eventual] decision attracts sympathy. To Senegal, they still believe they have won the cup, and they can parade it anywhere they want until that appeal is heard.”
Belated decision
The veteran tactician expressed significant reservations regarding the timing of the ruling, which has overturned the results of the tournament months after the final whistle. Obuh described the move to strip Senegal of the cup as “belated” and professionally questionable.
“They had enough time to have dealt with this, most especially on the day the match was played,” Obuh noted. “Personally, I don’t think it’s wise enough to have stripped the cup from Senegal to Morocco.
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“If you listen to recent statements from the FIFA President regarding that game, it sounds more in favor of Senegal than Morocco. We have to wait and see how it plays out in the appellate court.”
House divided
Beyond the immediate legal battle, Obuh warned that the ongoing uncertainty with the champion still technically unconfirmed almost four months after the final in January.
Obuh then stressed that situation could lead to cultural and political rift within the continent, which may affect the governing of the game in Africa.
“It is unfortunate. That is Africa for you,” Obuh added.
“The Arabs [in North Africa] do not always believe they are Africans, and the rest of us in West Africa try to support ourselves. A house divided against itself doesn’t stand. That is exactly what CAF needs to deal with avoiding these kinds of divisions in the future,” he concluded.
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The football community now awaits the final verdict from CAS to determine which nation will officially be recognized as the continental champion.
