In a turn of events, Gabon Football Association has announced government measures on the national team and striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have been lifted after their early exit from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025) in Morocco.
The former Arsenal forward, alongside captain captain Bruno Ecuélé Manga were reportedly suspended indefinitely from the Gabon national team following a disappointing AFCON campaign.
Gabon’s acting Minister of Sports, Dr. Simplice Désiré Mamboula, announced the punishment for Aubameyang and defender Manga a few days after the team had returned home. He reacted swiftly to the national team’s three consecutive Group F defeats at the hands of Cameroon (1-0), Mozambique (3-2) and Ivory Coast (3-2).
However, the same Ministry has changed the decision and lifted the suspensions according to a statement from the Gabon FA.
“The government measures suspending the national team have been lifted, as well as the exclusion of players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga following the unsatisfactory results of the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations,” read part of the statement issued by the Gabon FA on Tuesday.
“The Minister of Sports Paul Ulrich Kessany highlighted the urgency of upcoming deadlines, notably the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.”
The Ministry of Sports further invited FEGAFOOT to take the necessary steps to present all the practical arrangements for the appointment of a new technical staff.
The decision by the government was likely to land the country in hot soup with football governing bodies like FIFA and CAF, which do not entertain political interference in football.
