Rabat – Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Ibrahim Musa Gusau has denied reports of a heated exchange with Royal Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa following Nigeria’s loss to Morocco at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Speaking after the story spread on social media, Gusau called the claims “false and baseless,” stressing that no argument or confrontation took place.
“I really don’t know where the report is coming from,” Gusau said in a statement from the NFF. “Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in football and even at the level of government. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa.”
The NFF president made it clear that there was no shouting match, no insults, and no tension between him and the CAF vice-president. He also denied making any comments about the refereeing decisions before or after the match.
“Before the match, I publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating,” he said. “After the match, I made no comments whatsoever. I am totally bemused at where the reporter got his story.”
The AFCON semi-final had sparked debate among fans and players. But Gusau chose a calm tone, focusing instead on the success of the tournament.
“As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organizing Committee, the Government of Morocco, and CAF for organising a very successful AFCON,” he added.
Gusau said the tournament lived up to expectations and would be remembered for its quality and atmosphere, not for false controversies.
