The Benin Football Federation (FBF) has condemned what it describes as a wave of misinformation targeting national team defender Mohamed Tijani, following the circulation of artificial intelligence-generated images on social media and messaging platforms.
In a statement published on its official social media accounts, the governing body of Beninese football denounced the spread of manipulated images that falsely portray the defender alongside a woman incorrectly identified as his partner.
The federation said the images, which have circulated widely on platforms including WhatsApp in recent days, are entirely fabricated and have no connection to reality.
It stressed that the content was digitally created and warned against the growing use of artificial intelligence to produce misleading material capable of damaging the reputation of public figures.
The FBF described the publications as false and misleading, urging internet users to stop sharing the images immediately. It also called for the removal of the manipulated content from all digital platforms where it has been posted.
The federation said it was important for supporters and the wider public to verify information before sharing it online, particularly at a time when advances in artificial intelligence have made it easier to create convincing but false images.
By issuing the statement, the FBF sought to protect one of the country’s international footballers from what it considers a deliberate act of misinformation.
The governing body also appealed for greater responsibility among social media users, encouraging them to refrain from spreading unverified content that could harm an individual’s reputation.
The incident highlights the increasing challenge facing footballers and sports organisations across Africa and beyond as digitally manipulated content becomes more widespread.
AI-generated images and videos have become a growing concern for athletes, public figures and institutions, prompting many organisations to respond publicly when false information gains traction online.
While the federation did not indicate the origin of the manipulated images, it made clear that they should not be treated as authentic and insisted they bear no relation to Mohamed Tijani’s personal life.
The FBF’s intervention reflects a broader effort to combat misinformation affecting Beninese football and to ensure that players are protected from false narratives circulating on digital platforms.
Mohamed Tijani is one of Benin’s international defenders and currently plays club football for Yverdon-Sport.
As a regular member of the national team, he has become one of the country’s recognised football figures, making the federation’s swift response significant in addressing the misleading content.
The federation concluded by reiterating its appeal for the immediate removal of the fabricated images and urged the public to exercise caution and responsibility when engaging with content online.
It emphasised that stopping the spread of false information is a shared responsibility and encouraged supporters to rely on verified sources for information concerning national team players.
