Following poor performances by the Gabon national football team in the Africa Cup of Nations currently held in Morocco, the Gabonese government has suspended the national team indefinitely. Striker Pierre-Émerick Aubameyang has been permanently banned from the team.
On Wednesday, December 31, 2025, the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations concluded. Gabon, in Group F, lost all its matches.
The final defeat came against Côte d’Ivoire, with a score of 3-2, leaving “Les Panthères” eliminated without earning a single point in the tournament. In response to this poor performance, the Gabonese authorities took strict measures, including dismissals.
The government decided to suspend the national team ‘Les Panthères’ indefinitely, terminate all coaches, and permanently ban players such as Pierre-Émerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuélé Manga.
This decision was announced on Thursday, January 1, 2026, by the Acting Minister of Sports, Dr. Simplice-Désiré Mamboula, after Gabon’s humiliating exit from the tournament in Morocco.
In a statement broadcast on national television, the government emphasized that such failures would not be tolerated, and the national team is suspended from all competitions until further notice.
In addition to suspending the team, the Acting Minister announced that two key players—Pierre-Émerick Aubameyang of Olympique de Marseille (France) and Bruno Ecuélé Manga—have been banned from ever representing the country again. They were held responsible for poor performance and a perceived lack of patriotism and commitment.
These measures followed a Cabinet meeting on December 29, 2025, where President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema expressed extreme frustration over the national team’s performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
President Nguema stated that Gabon’s problems are not just about talent but also about discipline, commitment, and national pride. He stressed that the national team represents the country’s honor, and when it fails, the country’s image suffers.
Gabon had been considered one of the stronger teams in the tournament, with many expecting it to lead Group F. However, the team surprisingly ended the group stage without a single point, a result not seen in 31 years (since 1994).
“Les Panthères” lost all three matches: to Cameroon (1-0), surprisingly defeated Mozambique (3-2), and finished with a loss to Côte d’Ivoire (3-2).
Following this strict and unexpected decision, the Gabonese government announced that it will begin rebuilding football from the grassroots, aiming to restore discipline, good governance, and patriotism before returning to international competitions.
Summary Headlines:
Gabon national team suspended indefinitely
Pierre-Émerick Aubameyang permanently banned from the national team
UMUSEKE.RW