Ibrahim Gusau, Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, has dismissed reports of a heated exchange with Fouzi Lekjaa, president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF), following the Super Eagles’ defeat to Morocco in the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Social media reports alleged that Gusau, who also serves as President of WAFU B, engaged in a verbal confrontation with Lekjaa, the First Vice-President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), during a meeting at the just-concluded 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco.
Reacting to the claims, NFF boss Gusau described the reports as “false and baseless”, insisting that no argument or confrontation took place at any point.
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“I really don’t know where the report is coming from,” Gusau said in a statement issued by the NFF.
“Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in football and even at the level of government. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa.”
The NFF president categorically denied suggestions of any shouting match, insults or tension between the two officials.
“Before the match, I publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating,” he said.
“After the match, I made no comments whatsoever. I am totally bemused as to where the reporter got the story.”
While the AFCON final sparked widespread debate among fans and pundits, Gusau chose to commend the organisers for a successful tournament.
“As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, the Local Organising Committee, the Government of Morocco and CAF for organising a very successful AFCON,” he added.
