When Asisat Oshoala speaks, African football listens. The Super Falcons striker, one of the continents most decorated players, rarely courts controversy. That is why her recent social media post questioning the Confederation of African Footballs CAF relationship with Morocco struck a nerve across the football ecosystem.
Her words echoed a sentiment that has been quietly simmering among fans, administrators, and even players: has CAF become too closely aligned with Morocco?
A Relationship Under the Spotlight
Over the past few years, Morocco has emerged as the undeniable hub of African football. From hosting major tournaments to staging CAF award ceremonies, referee courses, executive meetings, and age-grade championships, the North African nation has become a constant presence on CAFs calendar.
The country hosted the 2022 Womens Africa Cup of Nations, the 2023 Club World Cup on behalf of CAF, and has repeatedly been selected for CAF events across mens and womens football. Morocco is also set to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, after previous hosts withdrew.
On the surface, the explanation is straightforward: Morocco is prepared.
The country boasts world-class stadiums, efficient logistics, political stability, and heavy state investment in sport. Its football federation, backed by government support, has built infrastructure that meets and often exceeds CAF and FIFA standards. In an era where last-minute withdrawals by host nations have become common, Morocco offers certainty.
Yet for many critics, including Oshoala, the issue is no longer about readiness alone.
Perception of Imbalance
African football has long struggled with uneven development. While countries like Morocco, Egypt, and Senegal continue to rise, others feel increasingly marginalised. Critics argue that CAFs heavy reliance on Morocco risks reinforcing this imbalance.
For them, the problem is not Moroccos ambition, but CAFs apparent lack of effort to rotate opportunities across the continent.
Awards ceremonies held repeatedly in one country. Tournaments clustered in one region. Strategic decisions that seem to favour a familiar partner. Over time, these choices have created a perception fair or not that Morocco enjoys preferential treatment.
CAFs Dilemma
CAFs leadership faces a difficult balancing act. African football has suffered from poor organisation, underfunded hosting, and political interference in the past. When countries fail to meet hosting obligations, CAF is left scrambling.
Morocco, by contrast, rarely fails.
From CAFs perspective, entrusting major events to a reliable partner reduces risk and enhances the global image of African football. Successful tournaments attract sponsors, broadcasters, and credibility something CAF has fought hard to regain in recent years.
But critics argue that leadership is not only about choosing the safest option it is also about developing capacity elsewhere.
The Players Voice
Oshoalas intervention is significant because it represents a player-led critique of governance, something still rare in African football. Her comments tap into a broader frustration among players who feel disconnected from decision-making processes that shape their careers.
Womens football, in particular, sits at the heart of the debate. Moroccos investment in the womens game has been widely praised, but critics warn that excellence in one country should not come at the expense of continental growth.
The fear is that CAFs dependence on Morocco could inadvertently create a two-tier system countries with access and influence, and those permanently left behind.
Is Morocco to Blame?
Importantly, many analysts caution against framing the issue as Morocco versus the rest of Africa. Morocco has simply taken advantage of opportunities created by strong planning and investment. Few would fault a country for being prepared when others are not.
The deeper question is whether CAF has done enough to help other nations reach that level.
Investment support, infrastructure grants, transparent hosting criteria, and rotational policies could help spread opportunities more evenly. Without such measures, frustration will continue to boil over on social media and beyond.
A Warning Sign for CAF
Oshoalas comments should be seen less as an attack and more as a warning. When elite players begin publicly questioning governance structures, it signals a disconnect between administrators and stakeholders on the pitch.
African football is at a critical moment. Global attention is growing, talent is undeniable, and investment potential is high. But credibility depends on fairness, transparency, and inclusiveness.
CAF must now decide whether convenience will continue to guide its decisions or whether i
