Nigeria has lost its joint bid with the Benin Republic to host the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2027. Instead, Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have been named as the joint hosts for the 2027 tournament, according to a report by AFP.
The disappointment comes after a vigorous effort by Nigeria to secure the hosting rights. The Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh, arrived in Egypt earlier this week, accompanied by representatives from the Nigeria Football Federation, to present their bid to host AFCON in 2027.
Nigeria’s previous experience as a host nation for AFCON dates back to 1980, a memorable year when Christian Chukwu led the team to victory in front of passionate home fans, with the notable presence of former President Shehu Shagari.
The joint hosting with Ghana, which took place more recently, ended in disappointment as Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions emerged victorious, claiming the coveted trophy at the National Stadium in Lagos.
Details regarding the reasons behind Nigeria’s bid loss and reactions from officials and football enthusiasts are expected to emerge in the coming hours.
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