Egypt-Nigeria AFCON Showdown: Coach Hassan’s Pressroom Clash Sparks Fresh Controversy
16 January 2026
AFCON Showdown: Egypt, Nigeria and a Coach in the Eye of the Press
Egypt's squad is set to face Nigeria tomorrow, Saturday, to decide third place at the Africa Cup of Nations, in a tense atmosphere following a sharp clash between coach Hossam Hassan and the Moroccan press.
During the pre-match press conference today, a Moroccan journalist asked about the controversial remarks made by Hossam Hassan after the defeat to Senegal, criticising travel to Tangier and some organizational matters.
Hassan refused to answer the question, insisting that it was disrespectful and lacking tact.
According to an Egyptian Football Association official, Hany AbouRida, the FA president watched the exchange with anger, particularly because he had asked the coach not to make controversial statements about Moroccan fans after the Benin game.
And the Egyptian federation official noted that the Egyptian Football Association would not comment on Hassan's departure and would honor his contract through the Pharaohs' 2026 World Cup journey.
Officials insisted there would be no premature decision about the coach until Hassan's contract expires at the end of Egypt's AFCON-2026 campaign.
Egypt will now focus on the game and hope for a calmer media environment.
Punchline 1: If football drama paid salaries, this press room would be minted.
Punchline 2: The next press conference should come with a therapist and a translator—it's a two-ticket show.
