Former Nigeria international striker Odion Ighalo has praised Sadio Mané's leadership, saying the Liverpool alum protected the image of African football during the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations showpiece final on Sunday evening.

Following a contentious penalty awarded by Congolese referee Jean-Jacques Ndala, several Senegalese players walked off the pitch in protest and headed to the dressing room, but Mané made up his mind that he was going to stay on the pitch.

Just a few minutes before the penalty was awarded, Senegal thought they had scored a perfectly good goal but it was disallowed. 

With emotions flying, Mané was able to convince his teammates to return to the pitch.

Ighalo highlighted that Mane 'saved the face of African football' by ensuring that his teammates returned to the pitch to continue the game, a gesture he believes reflected responsibility, unity and respect for the sport.

"Sadio Mane saved the face of African football, and he’s a man who stood out. He took all his teammates back onto the field to continue the game,” Ighalo said on SuperSport.

"He deserves to win that trophy, and he deserves the captain’s armband."

Senegal  celebrated their second Africa Cup triumph following Pape Gueye's game-winning strike three minutes into extra time, with Mané recognised as the tournament’s best player.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel