Former Super Eagles, William Troost-Ekong has strongly criticized the decision by CAF to strip Senegal of the AFCON crown and award it to Morocco, describing the situation as deeply disappointing and difficult for players to accept.
“When I first heard the news that the result of this year’s AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco had been overturned, I thought it was a joke.
“Then I realized it was actually real, after reading the official statement from the Confederation of African Football, it just made me feel quite sad,” he said in an interview with beIN Sports.
Ekong questioned the legitimacy of celebrating a title decided off the pitch and insisted that trophies must be earned through competition rather than administrative rulings.
“Every African player wants to win this tournament, but would I celebrate now if I was in Morocco’s shoes? Absolutely not.
“I would feel ashamed to win like this. It wouldn’t feel right. You have to earn it on the pitch.
“I don’t think I would be able to accept it, but if you publicly decline a medal or trophy, then that also becomes a circus. It definitely can’t be celebrated,” he added.
Abidjan Heartbreak
Reflecting on his own experience, Ekong pointed to Nigeria’s defeat in a previous final as an example of respecting results on the pitch regardless of the outcome.
“I captained Nigeria in the AFCON final two years ago, which we lost 2-1 to the hosts Ivory Coast. I would never go back and change the outcome of a final I was in and lost,” he said.
Ekong Empathizes with Senegal
He also expressed sympathy for Senegal’s players, highlighting the emotional toll such a decision can have on a team that believed it had won fairly.
“I would be so upset to play in a tournament and for the result to be changed afterwards.
Also read: ‘Highest Paid’ African Coach says Move to Al Ahli Tripoli not Financially Motivated
“Senegal will always claim they are the winners, and I would do the exact same thing, but other people will question that now. I can’t imagine how those players are feeling.”
Ekong’s comments add to growing criticism of deciding a title in the boardroom rather than on the pitch.
