The 2025 U20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been thrown into chaos after Ivory Coast abruptly withdrew as hosts, just 30 days before kickoff.
The shocking decision, confirmed by the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) on Tuesday, has left the Confederation of African Football (CAF) scrambling to find a replacement venue and has cast uncertainty over Nigeria’s Flying Eagles’ tournament preparations.
Why Did Ivory Coast Pull Out?
Ivory Coast’s withdrawal was a direct result of a Government directive, forcing FIF to step down as hosts despite months of preparation.
Cote D’ivoire have withdraw as hosts of AFCON U-20 that was to begin in April 26th to May q8th 2025
This means CAF have to immediately get another host @soka25east pic.twitter.com/bJF11Du8hm
— Collins Okinyo (@bedjosessien) March 26, 2025
The decision means the country will no longer participate in the tournament and could face CAF-imposed sanctions, including a ban from future U20 AFCON editions.
“By this letter, President Yacine Idriss Diallo, President of the FIF, President of COCAN U20, informs you that, by official letter, the Government has notified the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) of the withdrawal of Côte d’Ivoire as host country of the U20 Africa Cup of Nations,” the FIF wrote in an official statement to CAF.
“In accordance with the instructions of the President of the FIF, the Executive Director transmitted this information to the Secretary General of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) this Tuesday, March 25, 2025.”
“The President wishes to express his deep gratitude to everyone for their commitment and the work accomplished in the organization of this competition and to reassure you that everyone will be informed of the follow-up that CAF will give to this situation.”
Flying Eagles of Nigeria against the junior elephants of Ivory Coast. (Photo Credits X)
What Happens Next?
With the tournament’s April 30 kickoff fast approaching, CAF is now in a desperate race to secure a new host or risk postponing the competition.
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Morocco has been touted as a potential replacement, given its existing infrastructure and its upcoming role as hosts of the U17 AFCON.
For Nigeria’s Flying Eagles, the sudden change is a major disruption.
The seven-time champions were scheduled to face Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa in Group B, with all matches initially set to be played in Korhogo, Ivory Coast.
The team, currently in training camp in Katsina, must now wait for CAF’s next move before adjusting their travel and preparation plans.
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Despite the uncertainty, Nigeria remains focused on securing a semi-final spot, which guarantees a place at the FIFA U20 World Cup in Chile later this year.
However, with no official host yet named, the entire tournament hangs in the balance.
