William Troost-Ekong slams CAF’s verdict on 2026 AFCON

Former Super Eagles captain William Troost-Ekong has described the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) decision to award Morocco the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title as detrimental to the integrity of the tournament.

​Senegal edged past hosts Morocco 1–0 in a tense final played in February; however, the CAF Appeal Board revoked Morocco’s title on Tuesday. The Teranga Lions had briefly walked off the pitch in protest after Morocco was awarded a late penalty—a move the appeal board later ruled violated tournament regulations.

​Troost-Ekong’s reaction

​The verdict has sparked intense debate both within Africa and beyond, with Troost-Ekong adding his voice to the controversy while speaking to The Athletic.

“When I first heard the news that the result of this year’s AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco had been overturned, I thought it was a joke. When I realised it was actually real, after reading the official statement from the Confederation of African Football (CAF), it just made me feel quite sad.”

“Every African player wants to win this tournament but would I celebrate now if I was in Morocco’s shoes? Absolutely not. I would feel ashamed to win like this. It wouldn’t feel right. You have to earn it on the pitch. I don’t think I would be able to accept it, but if you publicly decline a medal or trophy then that also becomes a circus. It definitely can’t be celebrated.”

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