Senegal paraded the Africa Cup of Nations trophy before their 2-0 friendly win over Peru in France, weeks after CAF ruled they would be stripped of the 2025 title. The decision, which handed hosting rights to Morocco despite Senegal winning the tournament, has sparked controversy, with former Flying Eagles coach John Obuh criticizing CAF's handling of the situation. Obuh described the trophy parade as justified, stating Senegal still views themselves as champions until an official appeal is resolved. He called CAF's decision to reassign the hosting rights "unwise," arguing the delay in making a final ruling damaged the credibility of African football. According to Obuh, CAF's indecision invited global scrutiny and undermined its authority, especially given recent comments by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, which he believes lean in Senegal's favour. The ex-Rangers coach also warned the dispute could deepen regional divides, citing tensions between North African and West African football stakeholders. Senegal's preparation for the upcoming World Cup continues amid the ongoing controversy, with the team maintaining their stance on the trophy. Ten African nations, including Senegal and Morocco, are set to compete at the next World Cup.
When John Obuh says CAF has "shot itself in the foot," he's pointing to a deeper crisis of timing and trust — not just one bad call, but a pattern of delayed decisions that turn administrative rulings into public relations disasters. By stripping Senegal of the AFCON 2025 hosting rights weeks after the final, CAF created a spectacle it could not control, one where the champions parading their trophy looks more legitimate than the governing body's verdict. That Senegal still feels entitled to celebrate the win until an appeal is heard exposes how CAF's own delays have eroded its authority. This isn't about disrespect — it's about credibility, and right now, African football's top body is losing it.
