Veteran Nigerian judge, Roli Daibo-Harriman, has been at the center of controversy since the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Appeal Board, which she chairs, declared Morocco the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The CAF Appeal Board on March 17, 2026, ruled that Senegal breached Article 84 of the regulations, which prohibits staging a walk-off.

As a result, Senegal were deemed to have forfeited the game, and the final result was nullified.

Senegal responds to CAF over 2025 AFCON win nullification

Applying the regulation, Morocco were declared champions with a 3-0 scoreline against Senegal as punishment for the temporary walk-off.

Justice Harriman presided over a distinguished panel that included Faustino Varela Monteiro (Vice-Chairman) of Guinea-Bissau, Moez Ben Tahar Nasri of Tunisia, Moses Ikanqa of South Africa, Hamoud T’feil Bowbe of Mauritania, Mohamed Robleh Djama of Djibouti, Asogbavi Komlan of Togo, Masauko Timothy Msungama of Malawi, and Lubamba Ngimbi Hector of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

This decision sparked widespread backlash across the world, with legendary footballers, coaches, and fans condemning the ruling and claiming it has damaged the image of African football.

Chairperson Roli Harriman has also faced criticisms for overseeing what many consider a flawed ruling, despite her vast experience in adjudicating high-profile cases.

Facts About Roli Daibo-Harriman:

Elected to the role in 2023 at CAF’s Ordinary General Assembly in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, replacing fellow Nigerian Uthman Mustapha.

A 65-year-old justice who has adjudicated cases at high courts in Delta State for years.

Widow of Hope Harriman, the late Nigerian business magnate.

An Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) judge who helped establish the Delta State Multidoor Courthouse (DSMDC), a justice center offering faster, practical alternatives for resolving disputes.

Former senior lecturer at the Nigerian Law School.

SB/VPO

Watch as Ghanaians blast CAF over decision to strip Senegal of AFCON title