Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticised the decision by Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn the result of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 final, calling it a major setback for the credibility of African football.
The ruling, which handed Morocco a 3-0 victory over Senegal, came after CAF determined that Senegal violated Article 82 of the competition’s regulations. This decision effectively nullified Senegal’s original 1-0 win after extra time, sparking intense debate across the footballing world.
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Troost-Ekong, who has been vocal on football governance issues, expressed deep disappointment with the outcome, warning of its broader implications for the sport on the continent.
“This progress has been undermined by the shocking decision from the CAF appeal board,” he said. “This episode is bad for the integrity and reputation of African football. We have taken two steps backwards and it is self-inflicted damage.”
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The former defender, who enjoyed spells at clubs like Watford and Udinese, emphasized that the controversy has overshadowed what had otherwise been a successful tournament.
“Fans around the globe saw a tournament with talented players and fantastic facilities,” he noted.
Now playing his club football in Saudi Arabia, Troost-Ekong retired from international duty in 2025 after earning 82 caps for Nigeria.
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His remarks add to a growing chorus of criticism, as stakeholders question the transparency and consistency of decisions at the highest level of African football administration.
