The Gabonese government has lifted the sanctions imposed on the national team, including the suspension of senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, following the country’s exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Monday evening, the Gabonese Football Federation confirmed that the measures introduced after the team’s elimination from the tournament have now been withdrawn.
The decision restores the activities of the senior national team and ends the exclusion of Aubameyang and Ecuele Manga from selection.
According to the federation, the Minister of Sports, Paul Ulrich Ksani, highlighted in his correspondence the need for Gabon to refocus on future commitments, particularly preparations for the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. He emphasised the importance of putting structures in place to ensure a smooth transition as the country looks ahead.
The minister also urged the football authorities to take all necessary steps to address practical matters concerning the appointment of a new technical team for the national side, as part of efforts to stabilise and rebuild the squad.
Reacting to the development, the Gabonese Football Federation welcomed the decision and described it as a positive outcome, reaffirming its commitment to moving forward with the reconstruction of the national team.
The sanctions were initially imposed after Gabon exited the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
