Asisat Oshoala Vindicated As CAF Awards Spark Fresh Morocco Favouritism Allegations

The Super Falcons legend has been vindicated.

What once sounded like frustration from Asisat Oshoala now reads like prophecy, as Thursday night’s controversial CAF Awards reignited fierce allegations of political favouritism over sporting merit.

When CAF announced Lamia Boumehdi of Morocco as the 2025 Women’s Coach of the Year, Nigerian football fans erupted — not because Boumehdi lacks quality, but because the decision appeared to defy logic, performance metrics, and precedent.

The backlash was instant. And it was volcanic.

A Decision That Defied Football Logic

The outrage centres on one glaring omission: Justine Madugu.

The Super Falcons head coach guided Nigeria to a historic 10th Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) title in 2025. His résumé speaks loudly:

• Unbeaten WAFCON campaign

• A dramatic comeback victory over Morocco in the final

• The only African coach nominated for the 2025 Ballon d’Or coaching award

Yet, despite these achievements, Madugu was overlooked.

Instead, the award went to Boumehdi — whose TP Mazembe Women finished third at the CAF Women’s Champions League.

Third place.
Not champions.
Third.

One viral reaction summed it up perfectly:

“You didn’t give it to Madugu, the coach who won WAFCON, but gave it to a coach who finished third in the Champions League. Asisat Oshoala was absolutely right.”

Terrible Timing For CAF’s Credibility

The optics could not have been worse.

Just 24 hours earlier, Nigeria’s Super Eagles were eliminated by Morocco in a controversial AFCON 2025 semi-final, marred by questionable officiating decisions that many believe favoured the hosts.

Then came the awards.
Another Moroccan win.
Another Nigerian snub.

“CAF aren’t even beating these Morocco allegations,” read one viral post that captured the continental mood.

Oshoala Called It — And The Evidence Keeps Growing

Before the ceremony, Asisat Oshoala had already raised alarms.

After Moroccan players swept both the men’s and women’s Player of the Year awards in 2024 — with Ghislaine Chebbak controversially beating Nigeria’s Esther Okoronkwo and Rasheedat Ajibade — Oshoala took to X with a pointed warning:

“The big question here is when will this whole CAF compensation to Morocco end? Awards, tournaments and all… It’s getting boring now.”

Her concern now appears disturbingly accurate.

Since 2023, Morocco has hosted:

• U-23 AFCON

• U-17 AFCON

• Two CAF Awards ceremonies

• AFCON 2025

African football’s centre of gravity has shifted — and many believe the benefits are no longer just infrastructural.

Continental Frustration, Not Just Nigerian Anger

This isn’t a Nigerian-only grievance.

Fans from across Africa voiced disbelief:

“The Nigerian coach deserved it. That remontada against Morocco alone should have sealed it.”

Another was more blunt:

“Even Moroccans know she doesn’t deserve the award. Rename it MCON — Morocco Cup Of Nations.”

Perhaps the most damning observation referenced global recognition:

“Nigeria’s coach was nominated for the Ballon d’Or, but CAF says he isn’t Africa’s best? CAF aren’t beating these allegations.”

Silence From CAF Speaks Volumes

CAF has offered no explanation.

And at this point, silence feels less like neutrality and more like confirmation. When a governing body’s decisions repeatedly tilt toward one nation — particularly the same nation hosting and funding its major tournaments — trust inevitably erodes.

Final Verdict

Justine Madugu deserved better.
Nigerian football deserved better.
African football deserved better.

Awards are meant to reward excellence, not convenience or politics. If CAF continues down this path, its credibility risks lasting damage.

Asisat Oshoala was right.
And until merit truly matters again, the questions won’t stop.

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