SPORTS
Senegal Government Alleges corruption over Afcon CAF Ruling as Morrocco Celebrates
The Senegalese government has called for an “independent international investigation” into “suspected corruption” at African football’s governing body after it stripped Senegal of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations title and awarded it to Morocco.
Senegal beat Morocco 1-0 in January’s final but the Confederation of African Football (Caf) overturned the result on Tuesday because Senegal’s players walked off the pitch in protest when hosts Morocco were awarded a stoppage-time penalty.
The players returned after a 17-minute delay, and Brahim Diaz’s ‘Panenka’ penalty for Morocco was saved before Senegal’s Pape Gueye scored an extra-time winner.
Following an appeal by the Moroccan FA (FRMF), Caf ruled that Senegal had forfeited the match, with the “result being recorded as 3-0 in favour” of Morocco.
In a statement the Senegalese government said the “unprecedented and exceptionally serious decision” was based on “a manifestly erroneous interpretation of the regulations, leading to a grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision”.
It said: “Senegal unequivocally rejects this unjustified attempt at dispossession.”
Earlier on Wednesday, the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) said it would appeal against Caf’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport (Cas), calling it “an unfair, unprecedented and unacceptable decision which brings discredit to African football”.
“This decision is a breach of trust that is not based on any rule of law,” FSF secretary general Abdoulaye Seydou Sow told Senegalese TV channel RTS 1.
“We felt that the jury wasn’t there to uphold the law, but to carry out an order.
“We will stop at nothing. The law is on our side. The fight is far from over. Senegal will defend its rights to the very end.”
“We know what we experienced that evening in Rabat. And no-one can take that away from us,” Senegal and Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye said on social media.
The walk-off by Senegal prompted the International Football Association Board (Ifab), football’s lawmaking body, to open a consultation on how to deal with situations when “players unilaterally decide to leave the field of play, or team officials instigate such action, as a means of protest against a referee’s decision”.
Senegal’s players, apart from Sadio Mane, left the pitch after the award of a penalty for Morocco by referee Jean Jacques Ndala shortly after he had disallowed a goal by Ismaila Sarr at the other end.
Ndala gave the penalty in the 98th minute after being advised by the video assistant referee (VAR) to consult the pitchside monitor and review defender El Hadji Malick Diouf’s challenge on Diaz.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino said it was “unacceptable to leave the field of play in this manner” and that the scenes “must be condemned and never repeated”.
During the tournament there was much debate about refereeing decisions and VAR, with accusations from some journalists that Morocco were treated favourably by some officials.
Senegal complained before the final about how they had been treated and expressed “serious concerns” over security when they arrived in Rabat for the game.
In its ruling to award Morocco the title, Caf also “partially upheld” an appeal against an incident involving ball boys in the final, and reduced the Moroccan FA’s fine for the incident.
In torrential rain, Senegal goalkeeper Edouard Mendy regularly dried his gloves, but the ball boys repeatedly tried to discard his towel.
At one point Senegal reserve goalkeeper Yehvann Diouf was tackled to the ground by three ball boys and dragged around on the floor when he tried to intervene.
A fine for fans shining lasers at players on the pitch was also reduced by Caf.
Caf’s former head of disciplinary, Raymond Hack, questioned the decisions made by African football’s governing body and suggested there is a perception of “political interference” as “the president of the Moroccan Football Association [Fouzi Lekjaa] is the first vice-president of Caf”.
“A lot will depend on the referee’s written report, but the fact that the referee allowed the game to continue and they went into extra time gives the impression that he was satisfied that the game will continue.
“He is the only person who can call an end to the game. Not the authorities, not the governing bodies, only the referee.
“Otherwise you’re going to have situation worldwide where every time someone disagrees with a decision, they’re going to go on appeal or take it to court or something ridiculous like that.
“The game should be won on the field of play not in a boardroom.”
Hack, a lawyer and a member of Fifa’s disciplinary committee, said the Morocco players should have informed the referee they were playing under protest if they intended to challenge the result.
He also said it could take six months for Cas to rule on Senegal’s appeal.
However, North African journalist Maher Mezahi said such a sentiment is not matched across the continent.
“It does seem like the rest of Africa feels outraged by this because it seems like, once again, the Confederation of African Football has almost disgraced the sport,” he told BBC Radio 5 Live.
Mezahi cited Caf’s decision to ban Togo from two Africa Cup of Nations for quitting the 2010 competition following a gun attack on their team bus in Angola two days before the tournament.
Referring back to Caf’s decision on the 2025 final, he said: “They have, unfortunately, come up with a habit of releasing decisions like this – whether it’s the disciplinary committee or the appeals board – that eventually do get shot down at the Court of Arbitration for Sport, but it makes the entire thing look very amateurish.”
In Morrocco however, fans took to the streets to celebrate and local media have shown videos of happy fans driving through Tangier waving the national flag, banging tambourines and honking their horns.
Moroccan journalist Jalal Bounour said that it was “a sleepless night as fans welcomed the news with great excitement and joy”.
There was an overwhelming sense that justice had been done after what Moroccans saw as a violation of the rules.
“The entire Moroccan people are out in every city and everywhere, happy with our cup. The cup has returned to us, the cup that was denied to us,” one woman, who was wearing the national team’s top, told a local sports channel.
“My friend told me that Morocco had won, and I was so happy. I was sleeping at home when I heard this news, and I was so happy. We’re so happy now,” a man said.
Another fan said the nation was still astonished by the decision: “The team is in shock, I swear I am in shock. Thank God, our cup has returned to us and we are grateful because it was given to us.”
“I’m stunned. Football no longer exists. This is not football. No-one here understands or accepts this decision,” a young man, Daouda Seck, said.
“We’re shocked. Corruption has ended up winning.”
His views echoed the official response from the Senegalese government which said it would appeal against the decision to take the title away from the national side, adding that the ruling undermined Caf’s credibility.
The authorities have also called for an “independent international investigation into suspected corruption within Caf’s governing bodies”.
“I think the best team won on the pitch, and that should be respected off it as well, so the rules, the laws of the sport should come into play at that level,” Senegalese student Ralf Nonga said.
Why ex-Palace Winger Olise now in Ballon d’Or Contention at Bayern
A left-footed winger cutting in from the right flank? It just feels natural at Bayern Munich.It was an Arjen Robben trademark – now it’s Michael Olise’s.Bayern go into the second leg of their last-16 tie with Atalanta in the Champions League on Wednesday holding a 6-1 advantage.
That’s thanks to a dazzling performance from the 24-year-old in the first leg, when he scored twice and laid on an assist.
The display was in keeping with Olise’s remarkable form since he joined from Crystal Palace in the summer of 2024 – no one in Europe’s top five leagues has more than his 23 assists in all competitions this season, no winger can top his 38 goal involvements.
It’s no wonder he’s now being talked about as one of the best players on the planet.
“It’s nice to hear but there’s half of the season still to play, so I’m focused on the team and on team titles now,” said the typically relaxed Frenchman on a potential Ballon d’Or after his masterclass in Bergamo.
He may have a laid-back attitude and a languid playing style, but behind the calm exterior there is a steely determination.
“I don’t want to compare the players because they’re not the same but [he has] the mentality of [former Manchester City player] Kevin de Bruyne when I played with him,” said Bayern boss Vincent Kompany after the Atalanta game.
“I was lucky to watch him come through as a young player and become a superstar. I saw the whole process and it is that obsession with detail that Michael has.”
After being linked with a number of Premier League clubs before he eventually joined Bayern, there will be plenty who regret missing out on the former Eagles star.
“He’s matured a lot,” European football expert Julien Laurens told BBC Sport of Olise. “He’s made his debut for France, playing at the Olympics was also a massive help.
“To move away from London and to go to a completely different culture almost helped him grow up as a kid. He was a bit of a late bloomer, let’s not forget. It’s not been a traditional path to the top for him through Reading and then Crystal Palace.”
“Kompany is the perfect coach for him. All the rotation and all the movement, when you are a creative player like Olise it must be amazing to play in. That’s why he’s flourishing so much at Bayern.”
In his debut campaign in Germany he netted 17 goals and laid on 21 assists for his team-mates in all competitions. Already this season he has 15 goals and 23 assists, making him one of the most productive attacking players in European football.
Since he moved to Bayern, only the elite goalscorers on the continent can compete with Olise’s overall output.
In terms of players in a similar position, Olise is out on his own at the moment.
Since the start of last season, Olise has 44 assists in all competitions – seven more than any other player from Europe’s top five leagues – and in the same time period only Bruno Fernandes has created more chances than the Bayern star.
When you look at the portion of the pitch those goals and assists have come from, the Robben comparisons make sense too. Last Tuesday, Olise darted infield from the right flank past a couple of players and curled a left-footed shot into the corner.
“All too familiar,” the Bayern X account shared in reference to the Dutchman. It’s hard to argue.
“Deschamps intends to play him as a number 10 during the World Cup,” Laurens told BBC Sport, a position that is vacant following the international retirement of France legend Antoine Griezmann.
“I’m not too convinced with that in some ways. Why do you want to move him from that position where he feels comfortable and has all his bearings as one of the best players in the world?
“I’m sure Olise will do really well as a number 10 at the World Cup. But I just question why you would want to change him.”
With so much class in his ranks, Deschamps could make a case for another of his France squad to start in any of the forward positions. But if he’s going off current form, he can’t look past Olise, who is posting numbers comparable to recent Ballon d’Or winners who played in a similar position.
Crucially, Lionel Messi and Dembele added to those impressive stats with major silverware. The former was instrumental in Argentina’s World Cup win in 2022, while the latter was the driving force behind PSG’s first Champions League title.
Olise doesn’t have a Champions League title or a standout international tournament performance yet.
But both remain achievable this season, and if an impressive World Cup were to follow a trophy-laden end to the campaign with Bayern, then why not a Ballon d’Or too?
The late Chief Gabriel Gbayan was a distinguished sports administrator who served as a Two times Chairman of the FCT Badminton Association and also a two-time board member of the Badminton Federation of Nigeria. Throughout his tenure and involvement in the sport, he made significant contributions to the growth, promotion, and development of badminton in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
His commitment to badminton extended beyond administration. He demonstrated a genuine passion for the development of players, the organization of competitions, and the advancement of the sport at grassroots and national levels.
During his tenure, Chief Gabriel Gbayan organized a National Junior Badminton Championship and the North Central Badminton Championships, providing valuable opportunities for players to showcase their talents, gain competitive experience, and develop their sporting careers.
In addition to his administrative and organizational contributions, he personally sponsored badminton players and supported their participation and development. His generosity and commitment helped create opportunities for players who needed encouragement and financial assistance to pursue their sporting ambitions.
His contributions to the badminton community were therefore not limited to holding positions of responsibility; they were reflected in the practical support he provided to players, the competitions he helped organize, and his commitment to strengthening badminton in Nigeria.
JUSTIFICATION FOR THE MEMORIAL CHAMPIONSHIP
In recognition of these remarkable contributions, Vanz Badminton Foundation, in collaboration with Mambila Barracks Badminton Club and the Badminton Federation of Nigeria, considers it both appropriate and necessary to honour the memory of the late Chief Gabriel Gbayan through the organization of the Late Chief Gabriel Gbayan FCT Memorial Badminton Championship 2026.
This championship is intended to be more than a sporting competition. It will serve as a lasting tribute to a man whose dedication, generosity, leadership, and personal commitment contributed to the development of badminton and the advancement of its players.
We believe that honouring individuals who have made meaningful contributions to sports development is an important way of preserving their legacies and inspiring others to follow their examples.
By establishing this memorial championship, we hope to encourage current and future sports administrators, philanthropists, corporate organizations, and badminton enthusiasts to continue investing their time, resources, and expertise in the growth of badminton in Nigeria.
The championship will also bring together players from different age groups, including junior players, active competitors, and veterans, thereby promoting unity, mentorship, and continuity within the badminton community.
We therefore appeal to corporate organizations, government institutions, philanthropists, and well-meaning individuals to support this initiative. Their contributions will help us celebrate the legacy of the late Chief Gabriel Gbayan while creating meaningful opportunities for the next generation of badminton players.
Our conviction is that those who dedicate themselves to the growth of a sport should be remembered and honoured, and their examples should inspire others to contribute to the development of future generations.
Through this championship, we seek to preserve Chief Gabriel Gbayan’s memory, celebrate his service, and strengthen the spirit of generosity and commitment that he demonstrated throughout his involvement in badminton
May his legacy continue to inspire the growth and development of badminton in the North Central region and Nigeria as a whole.
Harry Kane has become the first English player in 25 years to win the prestigious Ballon d’Or after emerging victorious at Monday’s ceremony in London.
The Bayern Munich striker clinched the 2026 award after scoring 73 goals for club and country last season, surpassing Real Madrid’s Kylian Mbappe and Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal.
Kane’s triumph makes him the latest Englishman to win the award after Michael Owen, who received the honour in 2001.
The England captain joins an illustrious list of English winners, including Sir Stanley Matthews, Sir Bobby Charlton and Kevin Keegan.
An emotional Kane expressed gratitude to France Football, organisers of the award, and everyone who voted for him.
“Wow, I’m almost speechless. First of all, thanks again to France Football and the Ballon d’Or for this amazing event.
“Being in London makes it extra special; it felt like a good omen,” he said.
Kane also thanked England, Bayern Munich and his former club, Tottenham Hotspur, for their contributions to his remarkable career.
Reflecting on his journey, he said aspiring footballers could achieve their dreams through perseverance, in spite of setbacks and challenges.
He added that his journey had not been straightforward, citing several loan spells and the determination required to reach the highest level.
The ceremony was preceded by confusion after the Ballon d’Or website published three separate articles naming Kane, Yamal and Mbappe as winners of the men’s award.
The event also started 45 minutes behind schedule, with organisers attributing the delay to traffic congestion in London.
In the final rankings, Kane finished first, followed by Mbappe in second place and Yamal in third.
Manchester City’s Rodri finished fourth, while Lionel Messi of Inter Miami placed fifth in the rankings.
Khvicha Kvaratskhelia of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came sixth, ahead of teammate Ousmane Dembele in seventh place.
Manchester City’s Erling Haaland finished eighth, while Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise and PSG’s Fabian Ruiz completed the top 10.
In the women’s category, Alexia Putellas won the Ballon d’Or, representing London City Lionesses and Barcelona, alongside Spain.
Spain’s Luis de la Fuente won the Men’s Coach of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Pere Romeu received the Women’s Coach of the Year honour.
Yamal won the Men’s Young Talent of the Year award, while Barcelona teammate Vicky Lopez claimed the women’s equivalent.
Kane also won the Men’s Striker of the Year award, while Mexico’s Charlyn Corral received the Women’s Striker of the Year prize.
Spain’s Unai Simon won the Men’s Goalkeeper of the Year award, while Barcelona’s Cata Coll claimed the women’s category.
PSG was named Men’s Club of the Year, while Barcelona won the Women’s Club of the Year award.
Arsenal and England forward Bukayo Saka received the Socrates Award in recognition of his humanitarian work.
Litten, Knowles in for England as O’Neill Drops Out
Jez Litten and Morgan Knowles have been brought into the starting line-up for England’s must-win Men’s Rugby League World Cup match against Papua New Guinea – with Brad O’Neill dropping out of the squad.
Hull KR’s Litten comes in at hooker as head coach Brian McDermott chases a big victory in their final Group B-C match in Wollongong on Friday (09:05 GMT) to keep alive hopes of reaching the semi-finals.
O’Neill, named the best player in Super League in 2026, is not in the 19-player matchday squad, having worn the number nine for last Saturday’s victory over France.
Dolphins lock Knowles comes in after missing the opening two matches with a calf injury, replacing Victor Radley, who drops to the bench.
Warrington’s Matty Ashton, brought in for the France match, retains his place on the wing, with Wigan’s Zach Eckersley again not in the matchday 19.
McDermott, however, has made late changes to his initial matchday squad for both of England’s two matches so far, and may do so again before Friday.
On the backfoot after being beaten 30-12 by Tonga in their opening game, England responded with a crushing 82-0 victory over France to keep their dreams alive.
England need to beat co-hosts PNG then hope Tonga beat Samoa, two days later in Sydney.
If Samoa win, England will be eliminated because of their inferior head-to-head record against Tonga.
But if Tonga win, it comes down to points difference between England and Samoa with England’s currently 68 points worse than the Samoans.
The match is part of a triple header in Wollongong, with England’s wheelchair team starting the defence of their World Cup title against Wales (04:30 GMT) before the women’s side face Samoa (06:45 GMT).
Georgia Roche replaced Jenna Foubister at half-back for England women, with Hope Millard stepping up to the bench for their must-win final group game.
England have to beat Samoa to finish second in Group A and qualify for the semi-finals.
They beat Wales 70-6 in their opener, but were thrashed 78-0 by reigning champions Australia in Perth last weekend.
Foubister, 19, started against Australia after a superb domestic season where she was named Super League Woman of Steel.
But she struggled against the strength of Australia, so Coach Stu Barrow has opted for the experience of Roche instead.
The loss of key player Eva Hunter to a leg injury suffered against the Jillaroos has prompted a pack reshuffle, with Hollie-Mae Dodd moving from prop to the back row.
Mary Coleman comes in at prop as a result, while England are boosted by captain Jodie Cunningham overcoming an ear injury suffered last week to be named on the bench.
Georgia Wilson is in for Molly Jones in the centres, while Millard, the only heritage player left in the England set-up following Jasmin Strange’s tournament ending knee injury is back in the squad.
A win would earn England a semi-final spot, where they would most likely face New Zealand, who beat them in the last four of the previous World Cup in 2022.
Dual code international Ffion Lewis returns to the Wales side for their final Group A match, against world champions Australia in Sydney on Sunday (04:40 GMT). Carys Marsh steps up from the bench and will start at hooker.
Australia, already assured of a semi-final place, have made several changes. Stand-off Jocelyn Kelleher, who was outstanding against England last Saturday, is rested with Jesse Southwell taking her place.
Australia coach Kevin Walters has recalled Reece Walsh at full-back for their final Group A game against the Cook Islands on Saturday (09:05 GMT).
Walsh, whose 2026 domestic season was disrupted by injury troubles, started Australia’s thrilling World Cup opener against New Zealand.
He scored a try but kicked just two of five conversions as the Kangaroos squeezed to a 24-22 win. He was then rested against Fiji in their second group match, which Australia won 36-22.
Walsh returns in place of James Tedesco at full-back, with Cameron Munster returning at stand-off as Sam Walker drops out of the 19, and Harry Grant regaining the number nine hooker’s jersey.
Ethan Strange brother of injured England women’s star Jasmin is in line for a Test debut after being named on the bench.
Veteran Sports Journalist and Commissioner for Sports Development in Akwa Ibom State, Paul Bassey, has hailed the state Governor, Pastor Umo Eno over what he described as the prevailing peace in the state.
“ If naysayers pretend they cannot see anything Governor Umo Eno has done, can they deny the peace we are witnessing in Akwa Ibom today, Unprecedented peace?” Bassey in a goodwill message delivered at the 25th Annual Convention of the Apostolic Church, Atabong Area in Eket Local Govt.
“ It is a coincidence that the Theme of this Convention is “ The Peace of God” and it reminds me of the peace God has used our Governor to bear on our state.
“ Before now, you cannot even worship in peace as bandits raided churches on Sunday mornings, shot and killed, abducted worshippers, threatened oppositions.
“ Please let us tell our Children and family members that in the past, at times like this, houses and cars were burnt, terror everywhere and you can hardly sleep with your two eyes closed “ the Eket ward 2 Urban leader said.
The Elder of the Apostolic Church reminded the congregation that “this governor is not only a son of Eket, he is a spiritual son of The Apostolic Church and must be embraced and supported for a second term “ and this drew a thunderous “Amen” from the mammoth crowd.
Elder Bassey said without peace there would be no development and as a member of His the Governor’s “First Eleven” he was better placed to talk about “this grass roots Governor, whose programs are tailored towards the welfare of the less privileged in society especially in the areas of health, education and in my case, the empowerment of youth through sports .“
In his sermon, the Eket Field Superintendent of The Apostolic church Pastor(Dr) B. E. Okon enjoined Christians to embrace the peace of God that eliminates fear and life’s challenges.
Drawing his text from Mathew 5:9 the Deputy Territorial Chairman of The Apostolic Church insisted that “blessed are the peace makers for they shall be called children of God”
Elder Bassey in company of other dignitaries including Pastor Etangkanga, vice chairman Esit Eket Local government, village head of Atabong Dr Ikwang later joined the Field Superintendent and the host Area Superintendent Pastor O. D James to cut the 25th anniversary Convention cake.
Bayelsa Deputy Gov Tasks Nigerians on Effective Service
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, has urged Nigerians to make selfless service...
CIPPON Urges FG to Protect Nigerian Printing Industry
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The Chartered Institute of Professional Printers of Nigeria (CIPPON) has renewed its call on the Federal...
Mbah Declares Emergency on Nsukka-Adani Road
ShareFrom Sylvia Udegbunam Enugu Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah has declared an emergency on the Nsukka-Adani Road, describing it as...
Oborevwori Mobilises Support for Tinubu, APC 2027 Victory
ShareFrom Francis Sadhere, Delta Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has called for massive support for President Bola Ahmed...
Growing Threat to Opposition Politics and Democracy
ShareBy Pius Mordi Democracy thrives on competition, tolerance, freedom of expression and the willingness of those in power to accommodate...
NCDMB, NLNG Commit $9m to Endowment of Professorial Research Chairs in Six Varsities
ShareFrom Mike Tayese, Yenagoa The Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) and the Nigeria LNG Limited (NLNG) have launched...
2027: Obi Visits Benue, Vow to Unite Nigeria if Elected
ShareFrom Attah Ede, Makurdi The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has vowed to unite Nigeria,...
Wike Targets Tourist Destination Status for Apo-Karshi Road
ShareBy Laide Akinboade, Abuja The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has announced plans to transform the...
Alt Bank Appoints Gul Khan as Managing Director
ShareThe Alternative Bank Ltd (Alt Bank) has appointed Gul Khan as its new Managing Director, following approval by the Central...
2027: APC Restricts Campaign Spokespersons to Yari, Alake, Idris
ShareBy David Torough, Abuja The All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential Campaign Council has overhauled its Directorate of Media and Strategic...