AFCON Update: CAF Pays Tribute To Keshi, Yekini, Le Roy, Others

AFCON Update: CAF Pays Tribute To Keshi, Yekini, Le Roy, Others

Sampson Adedeji

Barely a week to the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has continued its series of tributes to legendary players and coaches who have left an indelible mark on the competition, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

In its latest release on Monday, CAF highlighted the lasting impact of some of the tournament’s greatest icons, celebrating their achievements and contributions to the growth of African football over the years.

Among those recognised were Nigerian legends Rashidi Yekini and Austin “Jay-Jay” Okocha, as well as William Troost-Ekong, all of whom have previously been crowned Most Valuable Players at the Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF praised their influence, leadership and memorable performances that helped define different eras of the competition.

The continental football body also paid special tribute to the late Stephen Keshi, acknowledging his rare achievement of winning the AFCON title both as a player and as a coach.

Keshi captained Nigeria to glory as a player and later guided the Super Eagles to another triumph from the dugout, a feat that continues to place him among the tournament’s most revered figures.

In addition, CAF noted the enduring presence of French tactician Claude Le Roy, who holds the record for the most AFCON appearances as a coach, having led several national teams across multiple editions of the tournament.

As anticipation builds ahead of the Morocco 2025 finals, CAF’s tributes serve as a reminder of the rich history and iconic personalities that have shaped the Africa Cup of Nations into one of the world’s most celebrated football competitions.