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CAF decision on Senegal dangerous precedent, says Shehu Sani

CAF decision on Senegal dangerous precedent, says Shehu Sani
**CAF's Decision on Senegal Sets a Bad Precedent, Says Shehu Sani** Former senator, Shehu Sani, has expressed strong reservations about the recent decision by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to overturn Senegal's win against Morocco. According to Sani, this decision is a clear sign of the erosion of football's integrity in Africa. Sani made this comment during a meeting with grassroots football coaches in Kaduna. He emphasized that football matches should be won and lost on the pitch, not in the boardroom. He questioned how a team can be stripped of its victory after it has completed the match, especially when they returned to finish the game despite a brief walkout. The former lawmaker warned that such arbitrary decisions can create a culture of mistrust and undermine the credibility of African football competitions. He noted that relying too much on administrative interference can weaken the confidence of players, coaches, and fans in the sport. Sani also linked the issue to the broader challenges facing football development in Nigeria. He lamented the decline of Nigeria's status in African football, once a dominant force on the continent. To regain its lost glory, Sani urged stakeholders to focus on grassroots development and invest in young talents. In Nigeria, we have seen a similar trend where administrative decisions often overshadow on-field performances. The country's football governing body, NFF, has been criticized for its handling of various issues, including match-fixing and player selection controversies. It is high time for African football to prioritize fairness, transparency, and respect for the rules of the game. By doing so, we can rebuild trust and confidence in the sport, not just in Nigeria but across the continent. As Sani pointed out, the decision on Senegal sets a bad precedent that can discourage players and teams from giving their best during matches. It is our hope that CAF will take heed of his warning and work towards creating a more just and transparent football governance system in Africa.
Source: Original Article • AI-enhanced version for clarity & Nigerian context

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