Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has criticised the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after it confirmed plans to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years from 2028.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the change on the eve of the 2025 tournament in Morocco, bringing an end to the biennial format that has been in place for more than five decades.
The Atalanta winger, one of the standout performers at AFCON 2025, said the move was disappointing for both players and fans, arguing that it reduces access to Africa’s flagship international competition.
“The decision has been made, we can’t really change it,” Lookman said. “It is a shame as Africans are not able to get the tournament every two years like we are used to. It is a disappointment.”
Ademola Lookman celebrating Super Eagles winner against Tanzania. Photo Credit
Under the revised calendar, AFCON will return to even-numbered years and be held once every four years, alongside the planned introduction of an African Nations League.
Motsepe said the restructuring would bring increased prize money, stronger competition and better alignment with the global football calendar.
“Our focus now is on this Afcon,” he said. “In 2027 we will go to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, and the Afcon after that will be in 2028. Then, after the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, we will have the first African Nations League.”
Photo Credit: NFF Comms
AFCON has been held every two years since 1968, after its inauguration in 1957, and was moved to odd-numbered years in 2013 to avoid clashes with the men’s World Cup.
Critics of the new format argue that a four-year cycle will significantly limit the number of tournaments players can realistically attend during their careers, making long-standing appearance records harder to reach.
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Despite his criticism, Lookman said his attention remains on Nigeria’s campaign in Morocco. The Super Eagles won all three of their group matches to qualify for the knockout stages with a perfect record.
“We want to continue to win the games,” he said. “If you want to win the tournament, you have to face the best teams, so we are looking forward to the test ahead.”
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Nigeria, champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013, are seeking a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title.
