The Gabonese government has reacted to the Panthers early exit from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
The West Africans lost all their three group games in the competition.
The Panthers surrendered a two-goal lead to lose 3-2 to Cote d’Ivoire in their last group game on Wednesday.
Gabon’s Minister of Sport reacted to the team’s ouster.
“Given the Panthers’ disgraceful performance in the 2025 African Cup of Nations, and considering the demonstration of values contrary to the ethics and virtue that distinguish our Republic, the Government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and permanently exclude the players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre Emerick Aubameyang,” the minister said.
“In conclusion, the Government calls on the Gabonese Football Federation to assume its full responsibilities.”
3 Comments
Permanently exclude Auba? That’s another way of saying “forced retirement”.
Finally, Gabon’s largely old men squad has come to roost.
Keenly watching what FIFA would do next since it appears to be government interference.
That’s what lack of rebuilding a team causes.
Auba who raised Gabon football profile, sheepishly embarrassed.
Footballers need to know when to quit the national team.
I don’t think FIFA will do anything because they did not dissolve the Football federation. They even asked the football authorities to assume it’s full responsibilities.
They really needed this since the coaching crew seen to be afraid of certain players. Auba did well for the country but it was obvious that the team was always trying to play to him even when they have better options. It was as if there will be repercussions if you do otherwise.
His influence on the team has become unhealthy. I think it is a step in the right direction.
FIFA will still regard it as government intervention. Nigeria under GEJ tried it, even getting a court judgment to sack the NFF, but eventually had to bow to FIFA and reinstall the old corrupt board.
Watch out for FIFA’s hammer on Gabon in the next few days.