Nigeria coach Eric Chelle stresses rule after Senegal AFCON title controversy

Nigeria coach Eric Chelle has firmly backed CAF’s controversial decision to strip Senegal of the AFCON 2025 title and award the trophy to Morocco, saying the rules left no room for debate.

His comments add a strong voice from within African football to a dispute that has shaken the continent’s biggest tournament.

CAF ruled that Senegal forfeited the final after leaving the pitch during their clash with Morocco, officially handing the North Africans a 3-0 victory. That verdict cost Senegal the title and immediately triggered outrage, debate and political pressure across African football.

Chelle stressed that this was not about personal opinion but about respecting the written Laws of the Game. “The rule is simple: any team that leaves the field without a valid reason is declared the loser. This isn’t an opinion, it’s the law,” he said.

The Nigeria boss also highlighted mentality and resilience in such high‑stakes matches. “In his place, I would have stayed, because the fighting spirit demands that you fight until the end,” Chelle added, underlining his belief that players must stay on the pitch and see the game through.

Chelle’s remarks arrive as tensions rise in Senegal, where officials are exploring ways to challenge CAF’s ruling. Senegalese authorities are reportedly weighing options that go beyond CAF structures, signalling that the AFCON 2025 fallout is far from over.