In a surprising turn of events, Nigeria’s bid, in collaboration with the Benin Republic, to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027 has been unsuccessful. The latest reports from AFP confirm that the honor of hosting the 2027 tournament has been awarded to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This decision follows the recent visit of the Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, to Egypt, where he was accompanied by representatives from the Nigeria Football Federation. Their mission was to present Nigeria’s bid to host AFCON in 2027.
Notably, Nigeria has only hosted AFCON once before, back in 1980. That memorable occasion, led by Christian Chukwu, saw the Nigerian team claim victory in front of an enthusiastic home crowd, which included former President Shehu Shagari.
The last time Nigeria co-hosted AFCON with Ghana, it ended in disappointment as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions clinched the coveted trophy at the National Stadium in Lagos.
More details on this development will be provided shortly.