The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe, has confirmed Nigeria’s joint bid to host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
Motsepe suggested that Algeria, Benin, Morocco, and Zambia are the other countries interested in hosting the continent’s main championship as he evaluated the performances of the five continental flag bearers to the recently completed FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) is experiencing difficulties with the proposal and paperwork, and rumors are circulating that Nigeria may file a joint offer with the neighboring Republic of Benin.
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“The joint bid between Nigeria and Benin for the 2025 AFCON is real, and we (NFF) and her Beninese counterpart are expected to submit bid documents in a few days,” a source who asked to remain anonymous said.
“Of course, other African countries are interested, but the joint bid by Nigeria and Benin is a fascinating prospect.”
“There is a good chance an African country will play in the World Cup final match of 2026 given Morocco’s remarkable performance, particularly in Qatar 2022,” Motsepe added.
He claimed that Senegal, Cameroon, Tunisia, and Ghana all delivered outstanding performances, and that Morocco’s historic triumphs and progress to the semi-finals also pleased CAF.
“Morocco opened the door this month by reaching the semi-finals, and I am confident that an African nation will advance further at the next World Cup,” Motsepe said.
“The main goal of CAF (Confederation of African Football) is for an African nation to win the World Cup, which is within reach.”
“The 54 African countries that are members of CAF are extremely proud and inspired by the victories and successes of the five African Nations that represented CAF at the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022,” he added in a statement posted on the CAF website.
“We are also particularly proud of Morocco’s historic qualification to the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
“This is the first time in FIFA World Cup history that an African nation has qualified for the semi-finals.
“I would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the players (Les Lions de l’Atlas), the technical team, the Fédération Royale Marocaine de Football, the people of Morocco, and His Royal Highness King Mohammed VI, may God help Him.”
“Our goal of ensuring that an African nation wins the FIFA World Cup remains alive and well.”