21.1.2026
Former Arsenal and France international, Thierry Henry said referees at the Africa Cup of Nations did a disservice to African football with the level of their officiating.
The 2025 AFCON hosted by Morocco was almost marred by poor officiating in some of the games involving the Atlas Lions of Morocco and it came to a head last Sunday in the final when Senegal players walked off the pitch protesting a penalty decision against them by the referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, from Congo DR who had earlier disallowed a seemingly clean goal scored by Ismaila Sarr.
In the semi-final between Nigeria and Morocco Daniel Nii Laryea from Ghana also made questionable decision against Nigeria.
“The only thing I would say after watching several AFCON tournaments is that the referees are not at the level of the show.
“The things that have happened over time are due to officiating mistakes, and I am not blaming the referee; I blame the people who don’t train them to be at the level of football we are watching,” Henry told CBS Sports Golazo.
However, he praised the organisation of the tournament.
“The competition was outstanding, Morocco did a great job in terms of the infrastructure, the stadiums and hotels,” Henry said on
Victor Osimhen warning Nii Laryea to "respect himself."