The National Assembly of Senegal hosted the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. The ceremony took place on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, in the hall of the parliamentary institution, in the presence of high-ranking parliamentary officials, Senegalese football representatives, and numerous guests.

Speaking at the event, the Speaker of the National Assembly, El Malick Ndiaye, emphasized its symbolic significance. According to him, this trophy is much more than a simple sporting award. It embodies the commitment, discipline, hard work, and talent of a generation of Lions who have proudly represented Senegal and thrilled an entire nation, both within the country and in the diaspora.

The President of the National Assembly looked back on the highlights of this victorious campaign, notably the quarter-final against Mali and the memorable final against Morocco, which he personally attended.

From the official box, he said he witnessed calm, responsible, and deeply patriotic leadership, embodied by the Minister of Sports, the President, and the Secretary General of the Senegalese Football Federation. Exemplary coordination, mirroring the national team on the field: focused, clear-headed, and entirely dedicated to the greater good of the nation.

A heartfelt tribute was also paid to the national coach, Pape Thiaw, nicknamed "the man with 28 starters." Throughout the competition, he embodied the values of Senegalese football: rigor, humility, tactical intelligence, and absolute confidence in his players.

Thanks to his leadership and his ability to unite the group in decisive moments, he led the Lions to the top of African football.

Beyond the sporting achievement, this victory was presented as a true source of inspiration for the country. "Becoming African champion is never a matter of chance," El Malick Ndiaye reminded everyone. A clear vision, rigorous preparation, a united team, discipline, and deliberate strategic choices are all principles that, according to him, must also guide Senegal's ambitions in the economic and social spheres.

On behalf of the national representation, the President of the National Assembly extended his warmest congratulations to the players, the technical and medical staff, the Senegalese Football Federation, the Minister of Sports Khady Diène Gaye, and all those involved in this historic victory.

Through this victory, all Senegalese youth are honored and encouraged to believe in effort, merit, and excellence.

The presentation of the trophy within the National Assembly thus carries a strong symbolic weight: that of national unity, of surpassing oneself and of Senegal's ability to win together, on the field as well as off.

For the public's benefit, the presidency of the National Assembly invited the media to provide media coverage of this important activity, marking a strong moment of unity between sport and the institutions of the Republic.

The ceremony was also attended by Khady Diène Gaye, Minister of Sports and Youth, national coach Pape Thiaw and the president of the Senegalese Football Federation, Abdoulaye Fall.