Latest News
Ibrahim Gusau Dismisses Reports of Spat With Moroccan FA President as “Total Falsehood”
President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has described as “total falsehood” reports circulating on social media claiming he had a public altercation with the President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF), Fouzi Lekjaa, during a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Morocco.
The unsubstantiated reports alleged that Gusau—who also serves as President of WAFU B —was involved in a heated argument with Lekjaa, the First Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), at a meeting held during the just-concluded 35th Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
Reacting to the claims, Gusau firmly denied the allegations, stressing that relations between Nigeria and Morocco, both in football and at governmental level, remain cordial.
“I really don’t know where the report is coming from. Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in the game of football, and even at the level of government, both countries have a warm relationship. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr. Lekjaa,” Gusau said.
“There was no shouting match, neither were there any insults thrown. Whoever came up with that report engaged in the mongering of total falsehood.”
Gusau also dismissed reports suggesting he made critical comments about officiating following the AFCON semi-final clash between Nigeria and Morocco, played at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on Wednesday, January 14.
“Before the match, I had publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating. After the match, I made no comments whatsoever,” he explained.
“I am totally bemused at where the reporter got the story that Mr. Lekjaa and myself engaged in a shouting match because of my comments on the officiating of the game.”
The NFF president concluded by praising Morocco and CAF for the successful organization of the tournament.
“As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organizing Committee, the Government of Morocco, and the Confederation of African Football for organizing a very successful AFCON that had all the glamour and glitz that will stay in our memories for many years to come.”
The 35th Africa Cup of Nations was widely commended for its organization, atmosphere, and overall presentation, reinforcing Morocco’s growing reputation as a major football host on the continent.
