The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is “seriously” considering Nigeria’s joint bid with the Benin Republic to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations, a source at the continental body’s headquarters has said.
Nigeria and Benin Republic are jointly bidding to host the AFCON in 2025 following Guinea’s withdrawal from hosting the event due to cash issues. According to the source, who pleaded anonymity, the West African bid’s main rival is Morocco, which has in recent years gained CAF’s confidence with its state-of-the-art facilities and development plan.
“CAF officials, who visited Nigeria early this month, were impressed by the state of the facilities and are disposed to seeing the event here. “But they need strong assurance from the government that some of the issues they raised will be addressed promptly,” he said. He said
Morocco also stands a good chance of hosting the competition because, “apart from its top-quality facilities, it has hosted several other international competitions successfully.” These include the African Women’s Nations Cup, the Club World Cup, and the finals of the CAF Women’s Champions League.
Morocco, he added, has recruited some of Africa’s football legends, including George Weah, to drive its bid. “I think Algeria is looking more towards hosting the 2027 edition, which it has also bid for, than the 2025 AFCON,” he said. CAF was originally scheduled to name the successful bid on February 10, but it will now hold later this year.
Source: Ghana/max.com.gh/89.7FM
