Super Falcons striker, Asisat Oshoala, has condemned the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) continued concentration of major tournaments and awards in Morocco, calling for broader inclusion of other African nations in hosting continental competitions.
Oshoala, who plays for Saudi Women’s Premier League club Al Hilal, made the remarks on X on Thursday.
“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.
The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year believes that Nigeria could effectively host the Africa Cup of Nations through regional collaboration, claiming that the country’s closeness to other countries makes co-hosting feasible provided adequate commitment is demonstrated.
“We can co-host with our neighbors if we are serious. Cameroon, Ghana, Benin, and Togo are all next door… you can’t tell me two of these five neighboring countries can’t co-host AFCON,” she said.
Her comments come as attention turns to Morocco’s expanding dominance in African football, following the country’s qualification for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations final.
Morocco advanced to the final on Wednesday night, defeating Nigeria 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw in a dramatic semi-final match at Rabat’s Stade Prince Moulay Abdallah.
Morocco had not reached the AFCON final in 24 years, having previously done so in the 2002 edition of the regional event.
The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is presently being held in Morocco, with CAF noting the country’s modern infrastructure, organizational capabilities, and football culture as important factors in its selection.
Morocco’s hosting of the competition is part of a larger athletic vision, following numerous recent CAF events and prior to its co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
While CAF has constantly lauded Morocco’s ability to hold large tournaments, Oshoala’s remarks have renewed debate over regional balance and the necessity for additional African countries, especially Nigeria and its neighbors, to be given the opportunity to host Africa’s greatest football events.
