NFF submits formal bid to host 2025 Nations Cup in conjunction with Benin Republic

NIGERIAN Football Federation (NFF) officials have formally submitted an official bid to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations on conjunction with neighbouring Republic of Benin to the Confederation of African Football (Caf).

Held biennially, the African Cup of Nations is the continents footballing showpiece, from which Caf generates about half of its revenue. After a delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the tournament took place in Cameroon in February this year, with Senegal beating Egypt on penalties in the final to lift the trophy.

Next year, the tournament is scheduled to hold in Ivory Coast as normality finally returns to the global footballing calendar. Caf had listed Guinea to host the 2025 edition but there are strong indications now that the nation may not be able to do so due to the political situation in the country as well as inability to put her facilities in order.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick, said: “Yes, I have indicated to Caf early today during our emergency zoom meeting that Nigeria will be able to stage the tournament.  We don’t know for now other countries that have submitted bids.

“We are still in the early stage of the whole process and as time goes on things will get clearer as to the stadiums Nigeria will present to host the matches.” If Nigeria win hosting rights, this will be the third time the tournament will be held in the country.

Nigeria first staged the tournament in 1980, wining the trophy for the first time with a 3-0 win over Algeria in the final. Then, 20 years later,  Nigeria co-hosted the 2000 edition with Ghana which the Super Eagles losing the final on home soil  to the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon on penalties at the National Stadium in Lagos.

The last time Nigeria staged a major football competition was in 2009 with the Fifa U-17 World Cup, which the Golden Eaglets lost to Switzerland in the final match in Abuja. Nigeria also hosted the Fifa U20 in 1999 and has bid to host the Women's World Cup in the past.