Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau has dismissed reports claiming he engaged in a heated confrontation with Moroccan FA President Fouzi Lekjaa following Nigeria’s defeat to Morocco.
The claims, which circulated widely on social media after the match at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium, suggested that Gusau had clashed with Lekjaa, who also serves as a CAF vice-president. However, the NFF chief described the story as entirely false.
“I really don’t know where the report is coming from,” Gusau said in an official statement. “Nigeria and Morocco maintain very cordial football relations, including at the governmental level. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa.”
He emphasised that no confrontation or exchange of words took place between him and the Moroccan FA president, calling the alleged incident “completely untrue.”
Gusau also refuted claims that he made any remarks regarding the officiating before or after the game, which were central to the rumours.
“Before the match, I publicly stated that the NFF had no concerns about the officiating,” he said. “After the match, I made no comments at all. I am utterly confused as to how the story arose suggesting a shouting match with Mr Lekjaa over refereeing decisions.”
While the semi-final generated discussions among fans and players over officiating, Gusau opted for a measured and diplomatic response, praising the organisers instead.
“The NFF commends the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organising Committee, the Government of Morocco, and the Confederation of African Football for delivering a successful AFCON tournament,” he said.
He added that the competition lived up to its status as Africa’s premier football event, highlighting its organisation, atmosphere, and spectacle as elements that would be remembered for years to come.
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