Former Big Brother Naija (BBNaija) housemate Pere Egbi has strongly criticised the conduct of Moroccan officials during the African Cup Of Nations (AFCON) 2025 final against Senegal, describing their actions as embarrassing and lacking sportsmanship.
In the viral footage from the match circulating on X ( formerly Twitter) showed Moroccan officials and players allegedly trying to seize the towel belonging to Senegal’s goalkeeper, Edouard Mendy, just before the penalty shoot-out. Goalkeepers rely heavily on towels to keep their gloves dry and maintain grip, especially during tense moments.
Reacting online, Pere expressed outrage, calling the behaviour unsporting. He went further, stating that if he were involved, he would have physically confronted the officials involved. “I just imagine say Na me Dey with that towel
“Those were bout 5 guys. I for punch two for throat, they’d be in the floor shaking. The remaining ones go first fear.” Pere wrote.
In the end, fortune favoured Senegal as they sealed victory over Morocco in extra time at AFCON 2025, after the hosts had earlier missed a crucial penalty kick.
The incident revived memories of Nigeria’s semi-final encounter with Morocco, where Super Eagles goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali’s towel was reportedly taken several times, an issue many fans felt CAF failed to address adequately.
WATCH VIDEO HERE: https://x.com/i/status/2013022065947799907
Having seemingly learnt from Nigeria’s experience, Senegal were better prepared. During the final, a Senegalese official was seen firmly holding on to Mendy’s towel to stop it from being removed. Despite this, Moroccan officials were allegedly caught on camera briefly pulling at the towel, resulting in a short tug-of-war as they attempted to deprive Mendy of it.
However, Senegal triumphed over Morocco in extra time, after the hosts missed a crucial penalty, crowning Senegal AFCON 2025 champions.
