‘As far as the NFF is concerned’ - NFF president addresses reports of heated argument with Moroccan FA president

The Super Eagles of Nigeria lost to Morocco in the semi-final of the Africa Cup of Nations, with fans blaming the Moroccans for playing a part in the bad officiating of the game.

After the game, it was reported that the NFF president had a heated argument with the president of the Moroccan FA at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

However, the NFF chief has categorically dismissed the claims, which circulated on social media, labelling them as entirely false and without foundation. 

In a statement released by the NFF's communications department, Gusau expressed his confusion over the origin of the story.

"I really don’t know where the report is coming from," he stated. "Nigeria and Morocco have very cordial relationships in football and even at the level of government. Personally, I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa."

Gusau firmly denied any confrontation or exchange of insults with the CAF vice-president, asserting that the story was fabricated.

 He also clarified that he had made no comments regarding the match officiating, either before or after the game.

"Before the match, I publicly made it known that the NFF was not apprehensive about the officiating," Gusau explained. 

"After the match, I made no comments whatsoever. I am totally bemused at where the reporter got his story that Mr Lekjaa and I engaged in a shouting match because of my comments on the officiating."

"As far as the NFF is concerned, we only have praises for the Morocco Football Federation, the Local Organising Committee, the Government of Morocco and the Confederation of African Football for organising a very successful AFCON," he concluded