Nigeria, Jan. 2 -- Gabonese football has been plunged into crisis after a disastrous Africa Cup of Nations campaign prompted sweeping state intervention, including the banning of senior players, suspension of the national team, and the dismissal of the entire coaching crew.

The breaking point came on Wednesday night when an injury-time winner from Bazoumana Toure sealed a dramatic 3-2 defeat for Gabon against defending champions Ivory Coast.

That loss confirmed a humiliating group-stage exit at AFCON, with Gabon finishing bottom of Group F behind Ivory Coast, Cameroon, and Mozambique.

Within hours, the fallout escalated beyond football.

Appearing on Gabonese television late Wednesday, Sports Minister Simplice-Desire Mamboula delivered...