The Gabon government has taken decisive action after the national team’s disappointing campaign at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, announcing the suspension of all national team activities and the exclusion of senior players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga from international duty until further notice.
The move follows heavy criticism of the Panthers’ performances and growing concern over deeper structural problems within Gabonese football. Gabon finished at the bottom of Group F, losing all three matches against Cameroon, Mozambique and Côte d’Ivoire, with a 3–2 defeat to the Ivorians on December 31 confirming their early elimination.
According to local media reports, the government described the team’s showing as “dishonorable” and pointed to long-standing weaknesses in the sport. As a result, the technical staff was dissolved and all national team activity was suspended. The decision was announced in a statement read on national television by the interim minister for sports.
Gabon’s national team has been suspended by the government until further notice after they were eliminated from the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations.
Marseille striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Gabon’s captain Bruno Ecuele Manga have been banned from selection while… pic.twitter.com/6tkNU71YE6
— The Athletic | Football (@TheAthleticFC) January 1, 2026
The measures also involve the removal of long-serving captain Aubameyang and experienced defender Manga from the national setup. While the official document has not been widely circulated and appears to have been removed from some platforms, several local outlets have confirmed the substance of the announcement.
Aubameyang, 36, had already left the squad earlier due to a thigh injury and club commitments with Olympique de Marseille after Gabon’s elimination was sealed.
This suspension is an unprecedented level of government intervention in Gabonese football and illustrates frustration with both recent results and broader governance issues. Officials have reportedly called for a wide-ranging overhaul, including changes to leadership structures, player development, and resource management, before any future relaunch of the national team.
So far, FIFA and CAF have not publicly commented on the situation, despite concerns that direct government involvement in football affairs has led to sanctions in other cases. Nevertheless, Gabon’s decision has already sparked debate across Africa over governance, accountability and the future direction of the national team.
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