Super Falcons star Asisat Oshoala has taken aim at the Confederation of African Football’s heavy concentration of tournaments and awards in Morocco, calling for a more inclusive approach that allows other African nations to host major competitions.
Speaking on X on Thursday, the Nigerian striker, who plays for Al Hilal in the Saudi Women’s Premier League, questioned CAF’s repeated focus on Morocco. “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. Everything concerning African football happens in Morocco; it feels like that’s the new HQ,” she said.
Oshoala suggested that Nigeria is more than capable of hosting the Africa Cup of Nations, especially if it collaborates with neighboring countries. “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,” she added.
Her remarks come amid heightened scrutiny of Morocco’s growing influence in African football. The hosts recently secured a place in the 2025 AFCON final after defeating Nigeria 4–2 on penalties in a goalless semi-final clash at Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah in Rabat. This marks Morocco’s first appearance in the AFCON final in 24 years, their last being the 2002 tournament.
CAF has consistently highlighted Morocco’s modern infrastructure, organizational capacity, and football culture as key reasons for awarding the country hosting rights for major events. The ongoing 35th edition of the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is part of a broader sporting vision, culminating in the nation’s co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
Oshoala’s comments have reignited discussions on regional balance in African football, emphasizing the need for countries like Nigeria and its neighbors to share the spotlight and opportunities to host the continent’s premier football events.
