The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly relieved its Director of Refereeing, Désiré Noumandiez Doué, of his duties, in what appears to be a major administrative shake-up following recent developments in the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The report comes shortly after the conclusion of the WAFCON final, in which Nigeria’s Super Falcons claimed a hard-fought 3-2 victory over host nation Morocco. The result sparked both celebration and controversy across the continent, particularly as Moroccan football authorities reportedly lodged a formal protest over officiating decisions made during the match.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria defeated Morocco 3-2 in an epic comeback during the final match held at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco. The game saw high-intensity drama, multiple VAR checks, and several contentious calls that became the subject of heated debate online and in sporting circles.
While CAF has not issued an official statement confirming the reasons behind Doué’s reported dismissal, speculation suggests that the decision may be linked to growing criticism from the Moroccan Football Federation and regional stakeholders concerning officiating standards during the tournament. Critics have pointed to several controversial moments during the WAFCON final that they believe may have influenced the outcome in favour of the Nigerian team.
The Super Falcons’ victory has, however, been widely celebrated in Nigeria as a moment of national pride. President Bola Tinubu congratulated the team on their historic triumph and hosted them at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, acknowledging their resilience, skill, and determination on the continental stage.
Additionally, in a show of appreciation and national recognition, the President rewarded each member of the team with $10,000, plots of land, and other generous incentives. The gesture was aimed at honouring their contribution to Nigerian sports and inspiring future generations of female athletes.
The reported dismissal of CAF’s refereeing chief adds another layer of intrigue to what has already been one of the most dramatic and talked-about WAFCON tournaments in recent history. Football fans across Africa now await further clarification from CAF on the matter and what it may signal for future competitions.