Outrage is mounting across Nigeria following disturbing footage from the 2025 WAFCON final showing Moroccan fans using laser pointers to distract and blind Super Falcons players during their historic 3–2 victory at the Stade Olympique in Rabat. The incident has sparked fresh demands for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take immediate disciplinary action against Morocco’s football authorities.
Throughout the final, players like Esther Okoronkwo and Michelle Alozie were repeatedly targeted with green laser beams—especially during set-pieces and throw-ins. Super Falcons head coach Justin Madugu revealed that he too was attacked with lasers on the touchline. “They kept pointing those lasers at me. It wasn’t just my players. It’s improper, and it must stop,” he said in a post-match interview.
Fans and analysts have flooded social media platforms with condemnation, calling CAF’s silence “dangerous” and “complicit.” Many pointed out that this isn’t Morocco’s first offense. A similar incident involving Wydad AC fans against Simba SC in the 2023 CAF Champions League, and repeated reports from matches involving AS FAR, raise concerns of a worrying trend of laser use by North African supporters.
Critics argue that the inaction by CAF is emboldening unsportsmanlike conduct. Media analyst Saheed Afolabi called for severe consequences. “CAF needs to go beyond fines. Ban stadiums. Disqualify clubs. Suspend hosting rights. Jail fans. Anything short of this will normalize the behavior,” he said. He also blamed CAF’s overreliance on Morocco for event hosting, calling it “a conflict of interest weakening enforcement.”
International football law is clear. FIFA’s Stadium Safety and Security Regulations explicitly prohibit laser pointers, and Article 16 of FIFA’s Disciplinary Code holds host countries accountable for fans’ misconduct. Yet, Morocco has hosted two consecutive WAFCON tournaments and is slated to host the next edition—despite recurring violations.
Sports journalist James Agberebi added that while laser exposure may not always cause permanent eye damage, it can impair vision in real-time, disrupt decision-making, and place players at risk of injury. “CAF must issue a strong warning, followed by sanctions. This is about protecting athletes and preserving the game’s integrity.”
Calls are growing for CAF to issue a formal investigation, strip Morocco of WAFCON 2027 hosting rights, and mandate strict penalties, including banning offending fans and clubs from continental fixtures. If ignored, stakeholders warn that CAF risks sending the message that cheating—when backed by home advantage—will be tolerated.
