Nigeria demands CAF sanction over laser attacks on Super Falcons
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to take action over the use of laser pointers by Moroccan fans to distract Super Falcons players during the 2024 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) final in Rabat.
Despite the Super Falcons securing a 3-2 win against the hosts to claim their record-extending 10th WAFCON title, the match was marred by unsportsmanlike behaviour from sections of the Moroccan crowd at the Stade Olympique.
Green laser lights were repeatedly aimed at Nigerian players, most notably Esther Okoronkwo and Michelle Alozie, during key moments such as penalties, free kicks, and throw-ins.
Super Falcons coach Justin Madugu, speaking after the game, described the incident as disturbing.
“The lasers weren’t applied on the players alone, even myself. They kept pointing those lasers at me. I don’t know if it is proper that this type of situation should continue,” he said.
The incident has renewed widespread concerns over the growing trend of laser light abuse during CAF-sanctioned matches, with many Nigerians taking to social media to condemn the lack of enforcement from the continental football body.
Critics accused CAF of negligence and called for stricter penalties, including stadium bans and tournament disqualifications for repeat offenders.
