Faisal Salisu DambattaNigeria’s Super Eagles are preparing for a series of high-stakes encounters against their traditional rivals, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) gears up to launch its groundbreaking African Nations League in 2029.
This ambitious new competition, announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, is poised to revolutionise continental football, offering a fresh platform for national teams to compete and generate significant revenue.
The African Nations League will adopt a unique zonal format, dividing the continent into four distinct regions: North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, and Southern Africa. The initial phase of the tournament will see teams battling it out within their respective zones.
The victors from each of these regional competitions will then advance to a climactic final stage, where they will compete to be crowned the inaugural champions of the African Nations League. This structure promises intense regional rivalries and ensures that every corner of Africa is actively involved in the competition.
Scheduled to take place every two years, the African Nations League fixtures will strategically align with existing international breaks in the football calendar. This careful planning aims to minimise disruption to domestic leagues and ensure that national teams can field their strongest squads.
CAF’s vision for this new tournament extends beyond sporting glory; the organisation explicitly plans for the African Nations League to become its primary income generator, surpassing even the prestigious Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in terms of revenue.
This strategic shift in focus is further underscored by changes to the AFCON schedule.
Following the 2028 edition, the Africa Cup of Nations will transition to a quadrennial cycle, meaning it will be staged every four years. This adjustment will allow the African Nations League to carve out its own space in the football calendar and establish itself as a prominent and financially lucrative competition.
The Super Eagles, with their rich history and passionate fanbase, will undoubtedly be looking to make a strong statement in this exciting new era of African football, particularly against formidable opponents like Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, promising thrilling contests for fans across the continent and beyond.
