NFF boss denies row with Morocco FA President during AFCON 2025

President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ibrahim Musa Gusau (MON), has dismissed as ‘total falsehood’ reports circulating on social media that he was involved in a public spat with Fouzi Lekjaa, President of the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football (FRMF) and 1st Vice President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The unsubstantiated claims alleged that Gusau, who also serves as President of WAFU B, engaged in a heated argument with Lekjaa during a CAF Executive Committee meeting held in Morocco at the recently concluded 35th Africa Cup of Nations.

Reacting to the reports, Gusau said: ‘I really don’t know where the report is coming from. Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in the game of football, and even at the level of government, both countries have a warm relationship.

‘Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr. Lekjaa. There was no shouting match, neither were there any insults thrown. Whoever came up with that report engaged in mongering of total falsehood.’

He also denied making any comments about the officiating of Nigeria’s semi-final clash with Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat on January 14.

‘Before the match, I had publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating. After the match, I made no comments whatsoever, and I am totally bemused at where the reporter got his story that Mr. Lekjaa and myself engaged in a shouting match because of my comments on the officiating of the game.’

Gusau concluded by praising Morocco’s role in hosting the tournament.

‘As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organizing Committee, the Government of Morocco and the Confederation of African Football for organizing a very successful AFCON that had all the glamour and glitz that will stay in our memories for many years to come.’