National Thunder Pair Issued Four-Match Suspension for Official Verbal Assault at Afcon.

The National Thunder captain Carlos Akapo and fellow squad member Josete Miranda have both been banned for four matches for verbally attacking the match official following their 1-0 defeat by their opponents at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

The decision was made by a disciplinary panel after it examined the official's match report from the tournament clash on Sunday, a result that sealed the team's elimination from the tournament.

The official reported that the two footballers "continually uttered abusive and obscene remarks" towards him and his linesmen after the full-time whistle.

"These remarks were made in a atmosphere of extreme frustration related to the loss, but nonetheless represent a grave breach of the standards of respect and fair play as well as the governing rules," added the official.

A portion of the respective suspensions for the two players have been suspended for a period of one calendar year.

Immediate Impact

The duo will now miss their nation's final group match against Algeria on midweek.

In a related development, the nation's governing body has been penalized a sum of $10,000 after its technical staff and squad members engaged in "excessive and aggressive protests" against decisions by the officials.

The official documentation indicated there was "a steady deterioration in conduct on the touchline" following an unfortunate deflection by defender Saul Coco in the 74th minute.

Further Disciplinary Action

Elsewhere, the continental body have additionally fined Stallions skipper Bertrand Traore the amount of $10,000 for "offensive remarks" made in a post-match media appearance following his team's defeat to their Group E rivals.