A dramatic scene unfolded at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when a Nigerian journalist passionately defended the Senegalese head coach after a group of Moroccan journalists staged a walkout during a post-match press briefing. The incident, captured in an emerging video on January 20, 2026, has sparked widespread discussion about professionalism in sports journalism.
The Heated Confrontation at the Press Conference
The video shows the moment Chief Suo Chapele, a Nigerian journalist, took a stand following the controversial exit of the Moroccan press corps. The walkout occurred during the post-match press conference for Senegal Head Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw, reportedly after a row following the AFCON final.
In a fiery address to the departing journalists, Chapele did not hold back. "What is wrong with you?" she demanded, labeling them "sore losers and unprofessionals." She drew a sharp contrast with Nigerian conduct, asking, "When you beat Nigeria, did we act like this? Did we? Lousy losers!"
Her primary concern was the disruption to the media's work and the disrespect shown to the winning coach. "He worked for it. He deserves it. We have an interview to do. We have deadlines," she stated, emphasizing their professional obligations. She accused the walkout of jeopardizing the tournament, calling it a "nonsense arrangement."
A Defense of Professionalism and Celebration
Chapele's outburst was rooted in a call for respect and focus on the sporting achievement. She redirected attention to the real purpose of the gathering: to celebrate the victorious coach. "We are here to celebrate the youngest guy who has won the Africa Cup of Nations. Let him come back and do this interview," she asserted, defending Coach Pape Bouna Thiaw's right to his moment.
The journalist's spontaneous defense has been met with significant praise online and among her peers. Many have hailed her for her bravery and principled stance in the heat of the moment, highlighting the need for professionalism regardless of national bias or match outcome.
Reactions and the Aftermath of the Viral Moment
The video quickly spread across social media platforms, turning the incident into a major talking point beyond the tournament itself. It has ignited debates on:
- The ethics of sports journalism and national bias.
- The appropriate conduct after a painful defeat in high-stakes tournaments.
- The role of journalists in maintaining the decorum of official events.
By standing up for the Senegalese coach, Chief Suo Chapele shifted the narrative from one of protest to one of respect for the champion. The incident serves as a reminder that while rivalries run deep in football, professional standards and sportsmanship should prevail in the press room. The focus, as Chapele insisted, should remain on celebrating the hard-earned victory and the achievements of those who made it possible.
