Sport
CAF President Motsepe Defends Appeals Board Independence, Confirms Senegal’s Right to Take AFCON Title Dispute to CAS

One of the most explosive controversies in African football history took another dramatic turn on Wednesday as CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the fallout from the decision to retroactively declare Morocco the champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations — stripping Senegal of a title they had believed was theirs for two full months.
Speaking in a video statement published on CAF’s official YouTube channel, Motsepe expressed his personal disappointment at the incidents that had led to the ruling, and confirmed that Senegal intends to challenge the decision. He made clear that all 54 member nations of CAF are entitled to pursue their legal rights, not only through the confederation’s own judicial bodies but also at the highest arbitration body in global sport — the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne.
On the question of institutional fairness, the CAF president drew on the very split between his own bodies as evidence that the process had been independent. He pointed to the contrasting decisions reached by the CAF Disciplinary Commission and the CAF Appeals Board — two bodies that reviewed the same case and came to opposite conclusions — arguing that this divergence proves the judicial arms of the confederation operate without interference from the top. His conclusion on fairness was unambiguous: not a single country in Africa would be treated in a manner that is more preferential, advantageous, or favourable than any other nation on the continent.
The ruling that ignited the firestorm was handed down on Tuesday. The CAF Appeals Board applied Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON Regulations, which state that a team that refuses to play or leaves the field of play before the end of a match without the referee’s authorisation shall be declared the loser — with the result officially recorded as a 3-0 forfeit. Morocco were consequently crowned champions for the second time in their history.
The events that triggered the walk-off unfolded during the January 18 final in Rabat. Senegal players left the pitch in protest after Morocco were awarded a highly contentious penalty via VAR deep in injury time. Morocco subsequently missed the spot kick, and Senegal ultimately won the match 1-0 after extra time — before celebrating as continental champions for the following two months.
Senegal’s response to the ruling was swift and furious. The Senegalese Football Federation described the decision as unfair, unprecedented, and unacceptable, stating that it casts a shadow over African football. The federation announced it would file an appeal before the Court of Arbitration for Sport at the earliest opportunity, while the Senegalese government separately called for an independent international investigation into suspected corruption within CAF’s governing bodies.
Motsepe acknowledged the gravity of the moment, but stressed that internal reform was already underway. He said CAF takes what happened at the final very seriously, and that significant steps had already been initiated to address the deficiencies exposed by the controversy — including a deeper review of refereeing standards, VAR operations, and the conduct of match commissioners. With Senegal’s CAS appeal now formally on the horizon, however, the definitive resolution of this extraordinary dispute is unlikely to arrive before the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico gets underway in June.
Sport
MK Dons Captain Favour Omenazu Gets First Super Falcons Call-Up After Choosing Nigeria

Milton Keynes Dons captain Favour Omenazu has received her first-ever call-up to the Nigeria senior women’s national team after committing her international future to the Super Falcons.
Omenazu was included in Nigeria’s squad for the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympic qualifying fixtures against Comoros, marking a major milestone in the 24-year-old’s career.
The midfielder, who is also eligible to represent England, publicly expressed her desire to play for Nigeria earlier this year. She said representing the country would be a proud moment because of her Nigerian heritage and family roots.
Omenazu also said her ambition was not simply to earn a place in the national team but to contribute to the Super Falcons’ success.
The MK Dons captain has developed into an important player for the English club and is known for her versatility. Although she primarily operates as a midfielder, she has also impressed at right-back, a position where she has earned several Player of the Match awards.
Her football journey began at Leicester City before spells with Bugbrooke St Michaels, Northampton Town and Stourbridge preceded her move to MK Dons.
Omenazu’s invitation comes as Nigeria prepares for a two-legged Olympic qualifying tie against Comoros.
The first leg is scheduled for October 9, while the return fixture will take place on October 13. Both matches are set to be played at the Remo Stars Stadium in Ikenne-Remo because Comoros does not have a CAF-approved venue for the fixture.
The Super Falcons have also been dealing with several player withdrawals ahead of the qualifiers, creating opportunities for new faces to join the squad.
Omenazu has now joined the group in camp as Nigeria begins preparations for the crucial Olympic qualifying encounter.
The call-up gives the MK Dons captain an opportunity to make her senior international debut and begin her journey with the Super Falcons after choosing Nigeria over England.
Sport
BREAKING: Cristiano Ronaldo Walks Away From Portugal Camp After Jorge Jesus Snub

Cristiano Ronaldo has sensationally walked away from Portugal’s national-team camp after head coach Jorge Jesus confirmed that the five-time Ballon d’Or winner would not start the upcoming match against Denmark.
The dramatic development follows Ronaldo’s shock omission from Portugal’s 2–1 victory over Norway, where he spent the entire match on the bench despite warming up.
Ronaldo has now broken his silence, revealing that he decided to leave the camp following Jesus’ press conference and a conversation with Portuguese Football Federation president Pedro Proença.
“After the press conference of the National Team Coach, and following a conversation with the President of the Portuguese Football Federation, I decided to leave the National Team camp,” Ronaldo said.
The Portugal captain added that he would eventually reveal the reasons behind his decision, before wishing the national team and his teammates well.
The timing has immediately raised questions over whether Ronaldo has effectively called time on his international career.
However, there is currently no confirmed official announcement that Ronaldo has permanently retired from international football. What is confirmed is that he has left the camp amid an escalating dispute over his role under Jorge Jesus.
After more than two decades of carrying Portugal’s No. 7 shirt, the football world is now waiting for Ronaldo’s next move — and, crucially, the explanation he has promised to give.
Sport
Super Eagles Beat Madagascar 2-1 in AFCON 2027 Qualifier as Ilenikhena, Usor Score

Nigeria’s Super Eagles have begun their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium in Uyo.
The visitors took an early lead in the 16th minute when Clément Couturier headed Ryan Ponti’s cross beyond the Nigerian defence to put Madagascar 1-0 ahead.
Nigeria responded with sustained pressure as George Ilenikhena came close on several occasions. The young forward eventually got his reward in first-half stoppage time after Alex Iwobi picked him out inside the box. Ilenikhena calmly placed the ball into the bottom-left corner to restore parity.
The Super Eagles returned for the second half looking for a winner, with Ademola Lookman and Calvin Bassey both going close.
Coach Eric Chelle then made changes, bringing on Moses Usor and Moses Simon in an attempt to add more attacking energy.
The substitutions quickly paid off.
In the 65th minute, Usor collected a pass from Semi Ajayi inside Nigeria’s half, drove forward past two Madagascar players and finished with his left foot to give Nigeria a 2-1 advantage.
The goal marked an impressive competitive debut for the LASK winger.
Madagascar refused to give up and created opportunities as they searched for an equaliser. Nigeria also had chances to extend their lead, but the Super Eagles ultimately held on to secure all three points.
The victory gives Nigeria a positive start in Group L of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers. Their next assignment will be an away match against Guinea-Bissau on September 29.
The 2027 AFCON finals will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, with Tanzania already assured of a place as one of the co-hosts.
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