Inmates at Senegal’s Rebeuss prison were given a rare opportunity to share in the country’s football success as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations trophy was presented inside the facility.
The initiative, led by the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), turned the prison into the setting for what officials described as a historic and deeply emotional moment.
The visit allowed prisoners to see the AFCON trophy up close, linking them directly to one of the nation’s proudest sporting achievements.
Speaking during the presentation, the Director General of the Penitentiary Administration, Aliou Ciss, described the gesture as “highly symbolic”, underlining the importance of recognising prisons as part of the wider society. His comments were reported by the RTS television website.
The event was intended to carry a strong message of inclusion and national unity. By bringing the trophy into Rebeuss prison, organisers sought to reaffirm the place of inmates within the Senegalese community, despite their current legal circumstances.
“Prisoners are full citizens. Their legal situation does not take away their dignity or their belonging to the Nation ,” he stressed, expressing, on behalf of the Minister of Justice, prison staff and prisoners, his deep gratitude to the Federation.
The presentation was welcomed by prison authorities and inmates alike, who viewed the moment as both symbolic and uplifting.
For many prisoners, the visit represented a rare acknowledgement of their continued connection to national life and shared collective identity.
The FSF’s initiative reflects a broader effort to ensure that major national moments are experienced beyond traditional public spaces.
By choosing Rebeuss prison, the Federation highlighted the unifying power of football and its ability to reach all segments of society.
According to RTS, the ceremony was marked by emotion and reflection, reinforcing the idea that national achievements belong to everyone.
The AFCON trophy’s presence behind prison walls served as a reminder that sporting success can carry meaning far beyond the pitch, offering recognition, dignity and a sense of belonging even in the most restricted of settings.
Les détenus d’ une prison au Sénégal ont touché ld trophée de la CAN pic.twitter.com/7pxEOtFjeb
— Varan 🐊 2.0🇨🇮 (@LucaVaran) February 5, 2026
