Super Falcons icon and Al Hilal forward Asisat Oshoala has sparked a continental debate following a series of pointed critiques aimed at the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year voiced her frustrations over what she perceives as a growing “pro-Morocco bias” that she claims is stifling the competitive integrity of the African game.
Oshoala’s comments come in the wake of a tumultuous semi-final exit for Nigeria at AFCON 2025. The Super Eagles fell to the Atlas Lions in a tense penalty shootout at the Complexe Sportif Moulay Abdellah—a match marred by controversial officiating from Ghanaian referee Daniel Laryea.
However, Oshoala suggests the issues run deeper than a single whistle. Taking to social media, she questioned the “compensation” culture within CAF, highlighting Morocco’s near-monopoly on major footballing events. Since 2023, the Kingdom has played host to:
The U-23 AFCON
The U-17 AFCON
Back-to-back CAF Awards ceremonies
The current 2025 African Cup of Nations
“Awards, tournaments, and all… it’s getting boring now,” Oshoala tweeted. “Everything concerning African football happens in Morocco; feels like that’s the new HQ.”
The scrutiny intensified following the 2025 CAF Awards, where Moroccan internationals swept the top honors. The crowning of Ghislaine Chebbak as the Women’s Player of the Year particularly rankled fans and pundits, who argued that Nigerian stars Rasheedat Ajibade and Esther Okoronkwo boasted superior statistical seasons. Oshoala’s critique mirrors a growing sentiment that Morocco’s diplomatic and infrastructural investment in CAF is being rewarded with on-pitch and off-pitch advantages.
The Oshoala Doctrine: A West African Coalition
Refusing to merely complain, the former Barcelona striker offered a strategic roadmap to restore balance to the continent. She argues that the only way to break the North African stranglehold is for West African nations to leverage their collective strength through joint hosting bids.
Oshoala urged Nigeria to take the vanguard in a multi-nation proposal that would modernize infrastructure across the sub-region.
“We can co-host with our neighbors if we are serious,” Oshoala asserted. “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.”
The suggestion of a “WAU” (West African Union) bid presents a logistical solution to the soaring costs of hosting the 24-team tournament. By sharing the burden of stadium construction and security, Oshoala believes Nigeria and its neighbors can pull the center of gravity away from Rabat and back toward West Africa.
As the dust settles on another controversial tournament exit, Oshoala’s “step up” challenge serves as a clarion call to sports ministries across West Africa: invest in the game, or watch the North continue to dictate the rhythm of African football.
