January 18, 2026 will remain a pivotal date for Senegalese sports, marking the crowning of the Lions as champions of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. However, this hard-won trophy is now at the center of an unprecedented legal battle with the Confederation of African Football (CAF). For El Malick Ndiaye, President of the National Assembly, this victory transcends the realm of sports: it symbolizes a people who refuse to bow down.

In a statement, the parliamentary leader praised the players' mentality on the pitch. According to him, the Lions embodied Senegalese resilience: "Every duel won, every effort made, every moment of struggle demonstrated a clear state of mind: that of a nation that never retreats, that transforms obstacles into strength, and pressure into motivation."

For El Malick Ndiaye, this success proves that "perseverance, discipline, and solidarity are more powerful than any adversity." He believes the national team carried "the soul of a people standing tall, proud, and determined to write their own history."

The Assembly President did not overlook the human and diplomatic dimension of this crisis, mentioning the 18 supporters still imprisoned in Morocco. For him, their commitment "deserves respect, support, and justice."

He also condemned CAF's controversial decision, which came after what he called "two months of added time"—a direct reference to the unusually delayed appeal verdict. On this point, his position is categorical: "The State of Senegal will wage this fight with the same tenacity as its Lions on the field. Because here, surrender is not an option."

Beyond Senegal's case, El Malick Ndiaye calls for a profound paradigm shift on the continent. For him, Senegal has shown the way for an Africa that no longer merely endures, but decides. "African football deserves a revolution. Africa's football must no longer endure. It must decide."

He concludes by reaffirming that this trophy is above all the "symbol of a people moving forward, fighting, and winning," with the sole motto: "Fullë ak Fayda rek!".