The Gabonese government announced that it is taking control of the national football team after their elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations. The team’s poor performance—failing to win a single game in the tournament—has sparked a crisis in the country. Although Gabon led Côte d’Ivoire 2‑0 in their final match, they could not secure a win and were eliminated, compounding the disappointment of failing to qualify for next year’s World Cup.
In response, Gabon’s interim minister of sport announced the suspension of the team on national television, citing the need for reform. The minister reportedly dismissed team captain Pierre‑Emerick Aubameyang and player Bruno Ecuélé Manga, though no mention was made of coach Thierry Mouyouma. The announcement was later removed from social‑media channels, and no official statement appeared on the government website, raising speculation that the move may violate FIFA’s rules against political interference.
Before the final group game, President Brice Oligui Nguema had criticized the team’s performance, attributing their struggles to a “lack of method and the application of resources.” He expressed concern over a “worrying erosion of patriotic sentiment in the management of sporting affairs,” according to local broadcaster Gabon 24. In reaction, Aubameyang took to social media to defend himself, suggesting that the team’s problems run deeper than any individual player.
The development has significant implications for the future of Gabonese football. The government’s intervention will likely be closely watched by FIFA and other stakeholders, and it remains to be seen how the team will be restructured and what consequences this will have for the players and coaching staff involved.
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