Former Nigerian international and 1994 AFCON winner, Nduka Ugbade has reacted strongly to the controversial incidents that marred the 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco, calling on CAF to urgently review its refereeing and VAR standards.
Ugbade expressed gratitude that the events of the final unfolded in full global view, insisting that the outcome exposed long-standing inconsistencies in officiating across the tournament.
“I thank God that, in the end, the same thing happened against Senegal in front of the whole world. It brought disgrace to Africa because of inconsistency in behavioural patterns, including officiating.”
He criticized CAF’s decision to appoint the same referee to officiate three Moroccan matches, describing it as unacceptable.
“A referee handling Moroccan matches officiated three times for Morocco. That is a very bad thing. They foul us, but the whistle goes against us. When we want to attack, the move is cut short. See where it all led to the entire world watching.”
Ugbade acknowledged that the penalty awarded during the final was correct, but argued that Senegal were unfairly denied an earlier goal.
“The penalty was correct, I agree. But the first goal Senegal scored was a goal, and it was ruled out. When it happened, officials were already arguing because it was clearly a goal.”
He contrasted the extensive VAR reviews in the final with earlier matches.
“In the final, VAR showed the incident more than ten times. But against Tanzania in the round of 16, a clear last-minute penalty against Morocco was shown only three times and not given. If that incident had favoured Morocco, it would have been a penalty.”
According to Ugbade, frustration had been building long before the final whistle.
“A day before the match, Senegalese officials said that if CAF wanted to give Morocco the title, they should do so openly. If people react, they will react and you saw the reaction.”
He also referenced unsportsmanlike conduct during the match, including repeated interference with goalkeepers.
“They started taking towels from Stanley Nwabali in the semi-final and continued the same thing in the final with Édouard Mendy. You dragged the second goalkeeper on the floor when he tried to protect Mendy’s towel. That shows a win-at-all-costs mentality.”
Ugbade firmly rejected claims that Senegal embarrassed the continent.
“Senegal has not brought any disgrace to Africa. People work because they want justice, and when they are denied, they fight for their rights.”
He added that potential financial penalties alone would be meaningless without real reform.
“CAF will look at punishment ,three hundred and something but those things don’t mean anything anymore.”
Ugbade accused officials of applying double standards throughout the tournament.
“This is the stupid way they look at things. You cannot use double standards. Senegal had to fight for their rights.”
He cited missed penalties by Morocco as evidence of divine justice and good goalkeeping.
“Look at what God did Brahim Díaz tried a Panenka and missed. African goalkeepers don’t dive anyhow. Learn from Stanley Nwabali. Mendy waited, caught the ball, and pointed to heaven to thank God.”
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Despite the controversy, Ugbade commended Morocco’s hosting efforts.
“The stadiums were good, the coverage was excellent, and the hosting was wonderful.”
However, he stressed that officiating must improve.
“CAF needs to sit down and properly review referees and VAR officials before the next AFCON. What happened in the final was bad, but it had to happen so that the right things can change.”
