Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has criticised the Confederation of African Football’s continued concentration of major tournaments and awards in Morocco, calling for greater inclusion of other African countries in hosting continental competitions.
Oshoala made the remarks on Thursday via her X handle, where she questioned what she described as CAF’s overreliance on Morocco for African football events.
“The big question here is when will this whole @CAF_Online compensation to Morocco end? Awards, tournaments and all… it’s getting boring now. We need other countries to step up,” she wrote.
The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year added that Morocco appears to have become the centre of African football activities. “Everything concerning African football happens in Morocco; it feels like that’s the new HQ,” she said.
The Al Hilal forward argued that Nigeria could successfully host the Africa Cup of Nations through regional collaboration, stressing that co-hosting with neighbouring countries is feasible if there is sufficient political will and commitment.
“We can co-host with our neighbours if we are serious. Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, Togo are all next door… you can’t tell me two of these five neighbouring countries can’t co-host AFCON,” Oshoala stated.
Her comments come amid growing attention on Morocco’s expanding influence in African football, following the country’s qualification for the final of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Hosts Morocco advanced to the final on Wednesday night after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties, following a goalless draw in their semi-final clash at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat.
The victory marked Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance in 24 years, with their last outing in the final coming at the 2002 edition of the tournament.
The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is currently being staged in Morocco, with CAF citing the country’s modern infrastructure, organisational capacity and strong football culture as reasons for its selection.
Morocco has also hosted several recent CAF events and is set to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup, reinforcing its position as a major hub for international football.
While CAF has repeatedly praised Morocco’s readiness to host major competitions, Oshoala’s remarks have reignited debate about regional balance and the need to give more African nations, including Nigeria and its neighbours, the opportunity to stage the continent’s biggest football events.
Advertisement
