In Group F of the Africa Cup of Nations group stage, Gabon finished bottom with three consecutive losses and were eliminated. After the tournament, multiple Gabonese media reported that Gabon’s interim Sports Minister announced the dissolution of the national team, suspension of all its activities, and expulsion of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga; the Gabonese government later released an official statement confirming the news.
In the official press release read on Gabon TV, Gabon’s interim Sports Minister stated: “The government has decided to dissolve the technical staff, suspend the national (football) team’s activities until further notice, and exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.”
Although the relevant video was temporarily removed from official platforms and later taken off Gabon TV’s channel, Gabonese media noted that the announcement could not be legally confirmed, and it seemed more like a response to public outrage.
However, the Gabonese government still issued an official statement today to confirm the news.
【Official Statement】
Given the dishonorable performance of the "Panthers" (Gabon national football team) at the TotalEnergies Morocco 2025 Africa Cup of Nations,Considering that their actions are grossly contrary to the ethical and exemplary values advocated by the nation,The government decides:
To dissolve the technical staff;
To suspend all activities of the national football team until further notice;
To exclude players Bruno Ecuele Manga and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from the team.
Furthermore, the government calls on the Gabonese Football Federation to fully assume its responsibilities.
This statement is issued in Libreville on January 1, 2026.
