Gabon National Football Team Suspended, Captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Sacked After 'Disgraceful' AFCON 2025 Outing

The Gabonese government has taken drastic action, announcing the immediate sacking of national football captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and the indefinite suspension of the senior men's national team, "The Panthers," from all international competitions. The stunning move, disclosed in an official statement issued Thursday, comes after a disappointing Africa Cup of Nations 2025-26 performance and casts a shadow over the nation's football future. Chelsea Announce Departure of Head Coach Enzo Maresca.

Government Suspends Gabon National Football Team

As communicated on national TV, Gabon’s acting Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula announced the government's decision to "dissolve the coaching staff, suspend the national team until further notice, and exclude players Bruno ‍Ecuele Manga ⁠and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang." This development comes after the team failed to move past the group stage in the ongoing AFCON 2025-26, having suffered losses in all their Group F encounters,  a significant disappointment for the football-loving nation.

Impact on Gabon's Future

This withdrawal will likely have significant implications for the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and the qualification group Gabon was slated to join. CAF has yet to issue a formal statement regarding Gabon's status or the potential restructuring of the qualifying rounds.

For fans, the news is a major blow, denying them the opportunity to see their national team compete on the continental stage for the foreseeable future. The government's decree did not specify a timeline for the team's potential reinstatement.

Aubameyang's Stature and Past Issues

The sacking of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, one of Africa's most decorated footballers, marks a poignant end to his international career. The 34-year-old striker, currently playing for Olympique Marseille, has been a talisman for Gabon for over a decade, representing his country in 74 matches and scoring 30 goals.

Aubameyang has had a complex relationship with the national team, including previous retirements and returns. His commitment has occasionally been questioned by past coaches and sections of the Gabonese public, particularly after missing key matches or reporting late for international duty. This latest government action appears to be a definitive conclusion to these long-standing tensions. Cristiano Ronaldo Opens Up On His Aim for Historic 1,000 Career Goals After Winning Best Middle East Player Award at Globe Soccer Awards in Dubai.

Future Implications for Gabonese Football

The drastic measures signal a complete reset for Gabonese football. While the immediate future of "The Panthers" remains uncertain, the government decree indicated plans for a comprehensive review of the national football federation (FEGAFOOT) and the implementation of new strategies for grassroots development.

Observers suggest that this bold move could either invigorate a struggling football system by forcing deep structural changes or further isolate Gabon from the international football community. The coming months will reveal the true extent of the government's commitment to rebuilding its football infrastructure following this unprecedented decision.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 01, 2026 10:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).