Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Gusau has firmly denied reports alleging that he was involved in a heated confrontation with Moroccan FA president Fouzi Lekjaa following Nigeria’s AFCON 2025 semi-final defeat to Morocco in Rabat.
The reports, which gained traction on social media shortly after Nigeria’s loss to the host nation at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, claimed that Gusau clashed with the CAF vice-president over controversial officiating decisions during the match. However, the NFF boss has categorically dismissed the claims, describing them as baseless and completely untrue.
NFF president rejects allegations
Speaking through an official statement released by the federation’s communications department, Gusau stated that no such confrontation ever occurred and emphasized that the relationship between the Nigerian and Moroccan football authorities remains cordial and respectful.
“I really don’t know where the report is coming from,” Gusau said. “Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in football and even at the level of government. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa.”
He further stressed that at no point before, during, or after the semi-final match did he engage in any confrontation, argument, or exchange of harsh words with the Moroccan FA president.
No comments on officiating
Gusau also debunked claims that he openly criticised match officials, which was a major aspect of the alleged dispute. According to him, he had already made his stance known prior to the game and deliberately avoided making any post-match comments.
“Before the match, I publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating,” he explained.
“After the match, I made no comments whatsoever. I am totally bemused at where the reporter got his story that Mr Lekjaa and myself engaged in a shouting match because of my comments on the officiating.”
Praise for AFCON organisers
Despite the controversy that followed Nigeria’s semi-final exit, Gusau struck a conciliatory tone as he praised the organisers of the tournament for a job well done.
“As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organising Committee, the Government of Morocco and the Confederation of African Football for organising a very successful AFCON,” he said.
He added that the tournament met international standards and would be remembered as one of the most impressive editions of Africa’s premier football competition, despite Nigeria narrowly missing out on a place in the final.