Sports
AFCON 2025: Aubameyang Reacts As Gabon Govt Sacks Him, Suspends National Team After Group Exit
Gabon’s embarrassing outing at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has sparked a major crisis back home, with the government sacking star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and suspending the national team following their early elimination in Morocco.
The decision was announced on Wednesday by Gabon’s acting Sports Minister, Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, after the Panthers finished bottom of their group with three consecutive defeats.
Government Pulls the Plug..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Speaking on national television after Gabon’s dramatic 3–2 loss to Ivory Coast in Marrakesh, Mamboula confirmed that the government had taken drastic measures, including:
Immediate suspension of the Gabon national team
Dissolution of the entire coaching crew
Exclusion of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and veteran defender Bruno Ecuele Manga
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance at the Africa Cup of Nations, the government has decided to dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga,” Mamboula said.
AFCON Campaign Ends in Disaster
Gabon, coached by former defender Thierry Mouyouma, had already crashed out of the competition after losses to Cameroon and Mozambique before squandering a 2–0 lead against defending champions Ivory Coast, conceding three late goals to end their campaign in humiliation.
Neither Aubameyang nor Ecuele Manga featured in the final group game. Aubameyang had earlier returned to Olympique de Marseille for treatment on a thigh injury.
Aubameyang Fires Back
Reacting on social media platform X, the former African Footballer of the Year rejected suggestions that he was the root of Gabon’s problems.
“I think the team’s problems are much deeper than the individual I am.”
At 36, Aubameyang is widely believed to have played his final match for Gabon, with 37-year-old Ecuele Manga also nearing the end of his international career.
FIFA Sanctions a Real Possibility
While disbanding national teams was once common in African football, FIFA’s strict stance on government interference now makes such actions rare, raising fears that Gabon could face sanctions if the suspension is not lifted.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has insisted that Iran “will be participating” in the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico, dismissing calls for Italy to replace them. Iran is currently embroiled in a war with the USA and Israel, raising doubts about their participation. Infantino said, “The reason is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together.” Iran’s group matches are scheduled to be played in the United States.
Key Points:
Iran was the only country not represented at Thursday’s FIFA congress in Vancouver.
Trump’s special envoy had pushed for Italy to replace Iran, claiming a “more than 50 per cent chance.”
Italian football officials have insisted they would not want to be added to the tournament this way.
Iran will face New Zealand and Belgium in Los Angeles, then Egypt in Seattle.
The World Cup kicks off on June 11, 2026...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Infantino’s statement rules out the possibility of an Italy recall.
Sources: Complete Sports
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Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has reaffirmed his commitment to Galatasaray amid growing transfer speculation linking him to Barcelona and Arsenal. The 27-year-old said, “I think I’ve found a home here where I am comfortable.” Osimhen joined Galatasaray on loan from Napoli two years ago before completing a permanent €75 million transfer last summer. He has recorded 57 goals and 15 assists in 72 appearances for the Turkish giants.
Key Points:
Osimhen is the highest earner in Turkey with a package of around €21 million net.
He praised the club’s atmosphere, calling it “family, love, unity, and utmost respect.”
He said hundreds of fans crowded the airport to welcome him upon arrival.
The club organised an elaborate tifo to honour him and his late mother.
Any formal bid would need to be in the nine-figure range...TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Osimhen’s comments suggest he is settled in Istanbul and not looking for a move.
Sources: Soccernet, Complete Sports
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Former Super Eagles midfielder Sunday Oliseh has praised the late Nigerian football legend Stephen Keshi as the nation’s “first genuine superstar.” Speaking on the Global Football Insights podcast, Oliseh said:
“We never questioned his quality as a player because you could see how he performed. This man was the first superstar of Nigerian football.” He highlighted Keshi’s leadership, professionalism, and impact both on and off the field.
Key Points:..TAP TO CONTINUE FULL READING.
Keshi became the first Nigerian to play in a major UEFA club competition final.
He was a member of the victorious 1994 Super Eagles AFCON-winning team.
Oliseh noted Keshi would fly from Belgium to play at AFCON and return to his club.
He described Keshi as disciplined and a winner who “led by example.”
Keshi’s playing career included stints in Belgium, France, and the Ivory Coast.
Oliseh emphasised that Keshi’s performances were self-evident and propelled him to legendary status.
Sources: Complete Sports
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