CAF Returns to Two-Year AFCON Cycle

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has restored the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to its traditional two-year schedule, giving Nigeria's Super Eagles more regular opportunities to compete for the continental title.

CAF's Executive Committee unanimously approved the decision on Thursday, reversing its December 2025 plan to stage the competition every four years.

The earlier arrangement was expected to make way for a proposed Africa Nations League, which would have been held every two years.

However, CAF said the new competition would take several years to generate the financial resources needed to support African football.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the reversal was aimed at protecting the interests of African football and its 54 member associations.

He said the decision was based on “advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by Football Clubs outside Africa.”

For Nigeria, the decision means the Super Eagles will have more frequent opportunities to challenge for the trophy after their last triumph in 2013.

The three-time champions finished third in 2019 and reached the final in 2023, losing 2-1 to hosts Ivory Coast.

The restored schedule could also give coach Eric Chelle more opportunities to assess his squad, introduce emerging players and build a team capable of challenging for the title.

The next AFCON will take place in 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

CAF has also scheduled subsequent editions for 2028, 2031 and 2033.

However, Nigeria must first secure qualification for the 2027 tournament before taking advantage of the restored schedule.