Ibrahim Musa Gusau, president of the Nigeria Football Federation, has firmly denied reports circulating on social media and in Algerian media claiming he was involved in a public altercation with Fouzi Lekjaa during a meeting of the Confederation of African Football executive committee held on the sidelines of the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The clarification followed an article published by the Algerian outlet Footafrik, which alleged that Lekjaa verbally insulted Gusau during the meeting. In a statement issued by the Nigerian FA, Gusau described the claims as “fabrications” with no factual basis.
“I honestly do not know where this report came from,” Gusau said. “Nigeria and Morocco enjoy very cordial relations in football and at government level, and on a personal level I have always had a good relationship with Mr Lekjaa.”
Gusau, who also heads West Africa’s football body Zone B, rejected suggestions of raised voices or insults, saying no heated exchange took place at any CAF meeting.
He also denied making any comments about refereeing during Nigeria’s AFCON semi-final against Morocco in Rabat on 14 January.
“I made no remarks before or after the match about officiating,” he said, adding that he was puzzled by claims attributed to him.
Gusau concluded by praising Morocco’s organisation of the tournament, describing the AFCON finals as “exceptionally well run” and crediting Moroccan organisers, CAF and the host government for delivering a memorable edition of the competition.
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