Following the Gabonese national team's resounding failure at the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025, marked by three consecutive defeats in the group stage, the Gabonese authorities took decisive action. In the wake of this early elimination, the government decided to suspend the national team and remove two key players from the squad: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga.

But this period of sanctions is now a thing of the past. This Monday, the Gabonese Football Federation (FEGAFOOT) officially announced the lifting of all disciplinary measures taken against the national team and the reinstatement of the two players.

In a public statement, the governing body of Gabonese football clarified:   "The Gabonese Football Federation informs the national and international sporting community that, as of Monday, January 12, 2026, the government measures that suspended the national team and excluded players Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Bruno Ecuele Manga, decided following the insufficient results recorded at the AFCON, have been lifted."

This decision marks a significant turning point for the Panthers, who are now looking to rebuild after a disappointing continental campaign. The return of Aubameyang, the attacking leader and iconic figure of Gabonese football, as well as that of Ecuele Manga, a pillar of the defense, should give the national team a new impetus.

FEGAFOOT hopes to definitively turn the page on CAN-2025 and begin a new cycle, with the objective of restoring the image of Gabonese football on the African stage.