Oshoala Questions CAF’s Morocco Focus, Calls for Wider Hosting Opportunities Across Africa

Oshoala Questions CAF’s Morocco Focus, Calls for Wider Hosting Opportunities Across Africa

Super Falcons striker Asisat Oshoala has criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over what she described as an overconcentration of major tournaments and awards in Morocco, calling for broader inclusion of other African nations in hosting continental football events.

Oshoala, who currently plays for Saudi Women’s Premier League side Al Hilal, voiced her concerns in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter) 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,” she wrote.

The six-time African Women’s Footballer of the Year said the repeated hosting of CAF events in Morocco gives the impression that the North African nation has become the permanent centre of African football administration.

“Everything concerning African football happens in Morocco; it feels like that’s the new HQ,” Oshoala added.

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The Nigerian star argued that Nigeria could successfully host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) through regional collaboration, noting the country’s proximity to neighbouring nations.

“We can co-host with our neighbours if we are serious. Cameroon, Ghana, Benin and Togo are all next door… you can’t tell me two of these five neighbouring countries can’t co-host AFCON,” she said.

Oshoala’s comments come amid growing attention on Morocco’s rising influence in African football, following the host nation’s qualification for the AFCON 2025 final.

On Wednesday night, Morocco defeated Nigeria’s Super Eagles 4–2 on penalties after a goalless draw in a tense semi-final encounter at Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat. It marked Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance in 24 years, having last reached the final in 2002.

The 35th edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations is currently taking place in Morocco, with CAF repeatedly citing the country’s modern infrastructure, organisational strength and football culture as key reasons for its selection.

Morocco’s role as host aligns with its broader sporting ambitions, having staged several recent CAF competitions and ahead of its co-hosting of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

While CAF continues to praise Morocco’s hosting capacity, Oshoala’s remarks have reignited debate over regional balance, equity and the need for more African countries — particularly Nigeria and its neighbours — to be given opportunities to host Africa’s biggest football tournaments.

Oshoala Questions CAF’s Morocco Focus, Calls for Wider Hosting Opportunities Across Africa