Gabon’s football authorities have lifted government-imposed measures affecting the national team and senior players following the country’s early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Gabon Football Association confirmed that sanctions announced after Gabon’s poor showing at the tournament in Morocco had been withdrawn. Gabon finished bottom of Group F after defeats to Cameroon, Mozambique and defending champions Côte d’Ivoire.

The measures were initially announced on national television by the then Sports Minister, who ordered the suspension of the national team as well as disciplinary action against captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and defender Bruno Ecuele Manga following the winless campaign.

However, newly appointed Sports Minister Paul Ulrich Kessany reversed the decision, amid concerns that continued government intervention could expose Gabon to sanctions from FIFA, which maintains a strict policy against political interference in football administration.

“The government measures suspending the national team have been lifted, as well as the exclusion of players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga following the unsatisfactory results of the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations,” the Gabon FA said.

The federation added that Minister Kessany stressed the urgency of upcoming international commitments, including preparations for the draw of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers for the 2027 edition, as a key factor behind the decision.

Gabon will now turn its attention to rebuilding efforts as they seek to put its AFCON disappointment behind it and refocus on future continental competitions.

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By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca

The Confederation of African Football has opened formal disciplinary proceedings following incidents recorded during the quarter-final matches of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.

In a statement released, CAF confirmed that it had collected recent match reports and reviewed video evidence pointing to potentially unacceptable behaviour involving some players and officials during the quarter-final fixtures between Cameroon and Morocco, as well as Algeria and Nigeria.

CAF disclosed that the matters have been formally referred to its Disciplinary Board for investigation, stressing that appropriate sanctions would be imposed should any individuals be found guilty of wrongdoing.

In addition to on-field and technical area incidents, CAF revealed that it is also reviewing footage related to an alleged case of misconduct involving members of the media in the mixed zone area after one of the quarter-final matches.

The continental body reiterated its firm stance against any form of inappropriate behaviour at its competitions, particularly actions directed at match officials or tournament organisers.

“CAF strongly condemns any behaviour that falls short of professional standards during its events,” the statement said. “Appropriate action will be sought against anyone whose conduct is inconsistent with the values and regulations of CAF competitions.”

The outcome of the investigations is expected to be communicated in due course, as the tournament approaches its decisive semi-final stage.

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By Kunle Solaja, Casablanca.

As Nigeria and Morocco renew their Africa Cup of Nations rivalry, memories of one of Nigeria’s most defining football nights have resurfaced — the 1980 semi-final in Lagos, settled by a thunderous strike from left-back Felix Owolabi.

Forty-six years ago, the then Green Eagles edged Morocco 1–0 in a titanic semi-final clash at the 12th Africa Cup of Nations, booking a place in the final and setting Nigeria on course for their first continental title.

Speaking in reflection, Owolabi recalled the heavy odds Nigeria faced against a Moroccan side widely regarded as one of the strongest teams in the tournament.

“Many sports lovers didn’t believe in us beating Morocco because they were a strong force in the championship,” he said. “They came all the way from Group B in Ibadan, and the expectation was that they would overpower us.”

For Owolabi and his teammates, however, the semi-final was about more than a single match. It was driven by years of near-misses and unfinished ambition.

“All the players of our era were bent on making history for ourselves and the nation, having lost out in 1976 and 1978,” he explained. “For us, it was either the Cup or nothing more.”

That determination was ultimately expressed in the 9th minute of the match when Owolabi unleashed what he described as a “bullet shot” from 24 metres — a strike that beat the Moroccan goalkeeper and sent the Lagos crowd into rapture.

“Our zeal and ultimate commitment were to go all out and beat Morocco,” he said. “And that is exactly what happened when I scored the only goal to book Nigeria a ticket to the final.”

Nigeria would go on to defeat Algeria in the final, lifting the AFCON trophy for the first time and cementing the 1980 team’s place in African football history.

Looking ahead to the present-day Super Eagles, Owolabi believes the current generation can surpass their achievements if they remain focused.

“I believe our boys can do better than what we did,” he said. “Nothing should distract them. All they need to do is go with the philosophy I have always believed in — team spirit, teamwork, discipline and attitude.”

With Nigeria and Morocco set to meet once again on the continental stage, Owolabi’s words serve as both a reminder of past glory and a rallying call for a new chapter to be written.

“Say to yourself, and so shall it be,” he added. “Good luck to them.”

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