OBITUARY
Morocco Mourns Legendary Football Icon Ahmed Faras (1947–2025)
By KUNLE SOLAJA
Morocco’s football fraternity is in mourning following the passing of one of its greatest-ever players, Ahmed Faras, who died at the age of 78 after a prolonged battle with illness.
The former striker and captain of the national team leaves behind an extraordinary legacy etched into the very fabric of Moroccan and African football.
Revered as a symbol of loyalty, class, and sporting excellence, Faras’ contributions to the game were recognised throughout his life — and in his final years, the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) stood by him, covering his medical expenses in a mark of deep respect for his enduring impact on the sport.
Born in 1947, Ahmed Faras devoted his entire club career — spanning nearly two decades — to SC Chabab Mohammedia, his hometown team.
Making his debut in 1964, he remained faithful to the club until his retirement in 1982. His loyalty was rewarded with multiple honours, including leading the team to the pinnacle of the Moroccan championship in 1980.
A technically gifted forward with a keen eye for goal, Faras was the top scorer in the Moroccan league in 1969 and 1973, and led Chabab Mohammedia to multiple domestic and regional titles, including two Throne Cups (1972, 1975), the National Supercup (1975), and the Maghreb Cup Winners’ Cup (1973).
But it was on the international stage that Ahmed Faras became a legend.
He captained the Atlas Lions of Morocco at the 1970 FIFA World Cup in Mexico — the country’s first appearance at the global showpiece.
In 1975, he was named African Footballer of the Year, becoming the first Moroccan to win the prestigious award.
A year later, he cemented his place in football history by leading Morocco to its first and only Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) title, lifting the trophy in Ethiopia in 1976.
His performances at that tournament were pivotal. In two crucial Group B matches against Nigeria, Faras scored vital equalisers that turned the tide in Morocco’s favour.
On March 6, 1976, after Nigeria had taken a 5th-minute lead through Sam Ojebode’s penalty, Faras struck back in the 8th minute to inspire a 3-1 victory.
Again, in the decisive group stage match on March 11, he netted in the 82nd minute to level the match after Nigeria’s Baba Otu Mohammed had opened the scoring — Morocco went on to win 2-1 and eventually lifted the trophy.
Faras’ vision, poise, and leadership made him a role model for generations. In 2006, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recognised his enduring brilliance by naming him among the best 200 African footballers of the last 50 years.
As tributes pour in from across the continent, Morocco remembers not just a footballer, but a national treasure who played the game with rare elegance and unshakable loyalty.
Ahmed Faras may be gone, but his name and legacy will forever resonate in Moroccan and African football history.
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By KUNLE SOLAJA
Nigerian football has been thrown into mourning following the death of former national team player and coach, Monday Sinclair.
His passing was announced on Facebook by former Super Eagles goalkeeper and media officer, Idah Peterside.
Sinclair, a respected figure in Nigerian football circles, is remembered both for his exploits on the pitch in the 1960s and his contributions on the sidelines as a coach and grassroots developer of talent.
Peterside, in his tribute, recalled that Sinclair gave him his first professional break at the now-defunct Sharks FC of Port Harcourt—a gesture that launched Peterside’s journey to national prominence.
Born in the pre-independence era, Sinclair made his debut for the Nigerian national team on February 27, 1963, during a Kwame Nkrumah Cup clash in Accra, where the Green Eagles (as they were then called) suffered a 4–0 defeat to Senegal.
Despite the heavy loss, Sinclair would go on to become one of the key players in Nigeria’s football development during the formative years of international competition.
He returned to the national spotlight decades later when he was appointed interim coach of the Super Eagles in 1997 following the departure of French tactician Philippe Troussier.
Though his tenure was short-lived and low-profile, Sinclair led the team through friendly matches in Tunisia and Zambia, with striker Kenneth Zeigbo emerging as a standout performer under his guidance.
Beyond the national team, Sinclair was revered as a grassroots coach and a relentless talent scout. His coaching philosophy emphasised free-flowing football and player development—an approach that saw him nurture several stars who would later shine in both domestic and international arenas.
His passing adds to a growing list of notable Nigerian figures lost in July 2025, contributing to what has been a sombre month for the nation’s football community.
Tributes have continued to pour in across social media and from football administrators, former players, and fans who remember Sinclair as a passionate mentor, a football purist, and a quiet but effective force in Nigeria’s football history.
Funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by his family in the coming days.
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The President of the Confédération of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe, has expressed profound sorrow following the death of Nigeria’s former President, Muhammadu Buhari.
In an official statement released by CAF, Dr Motsepe extended heartfelt condolences on behalf of the African football body and its 54 member associations to the late leader’s family, the Government of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and its President, Ibrahim Musa Gusau, as well as the entire Nigerian populace.
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the former President of Nigeria, His Excellency Muhammadu Buhari,” Dr Motsepe stated. “On behalf of CAF and its Member Associations representing 54 African countries, I extend our deep condolences to his family, the Government of Nigeria and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Nigeria Football Federation and its President Ibrahim Musa Gusau, and the People of Nigeria.”
Reflecting on his personal encounter with the late President, Dr Motsepe said: “I had the honour of meeting President Muhammadu Buhari and was impressed by his commitment and passion for Nigerian football. President Buhari will forever live in our hearts and minds. May his soul rest in peace.”
President Buhari, who led Nigeria from 2015 to 2023, was known for his unwavering support for Nigerian sports, particularly football, and played a key role in several national team successes during his tenure.
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As a mark of national mourning, President Tinubu has ordered that Nigerian flags be flown at half-staff. This act is done to show respect across the country.
The current administration holds deep respect for the former leader. Vice President Shettima’s mission is to accompany the body back home.
He twice served as Nigeria’s president from 2015 to 2023. Earlier, he was military head of state between 1984 and 1985.
Details of the funeral arrangements are expected to be announced by the family in accordance with Islamic rites.
The federal government is also expected to organize a state funeral in honour of the late president.
His legacy spans decades of public service. It includes national leadership and political transformation.
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