CAF invites bids for 2028, 2032, and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations hosting rights
via Punch Nigeria1 min read
The Confederation of African Football CAF has invited its 54 member associations to submit bids to host the 2028, 2032, and 2036 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations AFCON. CAF announced this bidding process on its website, stating that the framework is designed to ensure a transparent, credible, and ethical selection process, aligning with global best practices. The continental football body highlighted that AFCON is Africa's largest sporting event and one of the biggest globally, attracting over 3.2 billion television viewers and six billion digital views worldwide. While specific details like submission deadlines and technical requirements were not disclosed, CAF mentioned that the framework was developed with support from independent expert adviser PwC, along with its technical, financial, and external legal advisers. This framework will establish the criteria for evaluating and selecting host countries. CAF also noted that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The football governing body plans to stage a senior men's national team competition every year, except during FIFA World Cup years.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
The National Sports Commission's decision to implement a N2m minimum monthly salary for Nigeria Premier Football League players has generated varied responses from stakeholders. This reform, which also includes a significant increase in league prize money, aims to curb the emigration of talented players and enhance the domestic league's competitiveness. The previous minimum wage was N150,000. While some players and former players support the move, viewing it as a way to improve play standards and attract foreign talent, concerns have been raised about clubs' ability to afford the new wages without external support. Rivers State Sports Commissioner and former NFF board member, Barrister Christopher Green, who is also chairman of Rivers United, expressed skepticism, citing an unfulfilled N500m pledge from the NSC to his club. However, Plateau United striker Albert Hillary believes the policy will help the NPFL compete effectively on the continent and retain top players. The league board maintains that new club licensing will ensure financial compliance, with the NSC also increasing the prize for next season's champions to N1bn, up from N200m.
Must ReadAnti-foreigner campaigns in South Africa, which have led to Nigerians and other Africans being forced to leave, were fueled by civil society organizations driven by activism and frustration, according to the Africa Reputation Intelligence Report by Alfa Destiny Communications and Novus Group. These protests, occurring in major cities like Pretoria, Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and East London, have resulted in looting, assaults, and deaths, particularly affecting Nigerians. Opposition leader Julius Malema stated in May that the protests were politically motivated, describing them as actions by "charlatans, extortionists, disruptors and corrupt individuals." The report highlights a coalition of over 27 civil society and activist organizations, including the March and March movement and Operation Dudula, which organized a protest on June 30, setting an unofficial deadline for undocumented foreign nationals to leave the country. The March and March movement, founded and led by Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, a South African radio personality and civic activist, emerged from online activism and community frustration. The Nigerian government has repatriated over 800 Nigerians in three batches due to these demonstrations. Returnees have reported brutalization and claims by South Africans that foreigners have taken their jobs. The report attributes the underlying reasons for these attacks to South Africa鈥檚 structural economic strain and political opportunism, emphasizing that the March an
Mrs. Chris Ademiluyi, leader of the United Nigerian Americans Council in Maryland, United States, has congratulated Nigerians within the group for winning their respective primary elections. She expressed gratitude to those who answered the call to serve the community with courage and dedication. Ademiluyi also commended council members for supporting candidates of Nigerian descent, whether through financial contributions, physical presence, encouragement, service, or prayers. She stated that the commitment of the Nigerian community strengthened candidates interested in contesting the November election. Winners listed include Aisha Braveboy, Prince George鈥檚 County Executive; Oye Owolewa, Washington, D.C., County At-Large; Yemi Jawando, Montgomery County Executive; Deli Okafor, Baltimore County Democratic State Central Committee; Fatmata Barrie, Montgomery County Council At-Large; Wala Blegay, US Congress District 5; Wanika Fisher, Prince George鈥檚 County State鈥檚 Attorney; Yemi Adetola, Anne Arundel County Democratic Central Committee; Dr. Juliet Agocha, Prince George鈥檚 County Council District 4; Babatunde Alegbeleye, Mayor of Bowie; and Roxy Ndebumadu, Mayor of Bowie. Ademiluyi added that UNAC-MD is proud of their leadership, perseverance, and willingness to serve the community.