The Confederation of African Football CAF, denied a Nigeria-Benin joint bid to host the 2027 edition of the African Cup Of Nations AFCON, npflupdates.com reports.
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CAF approved a bid by Morocco to host the 2025 edition of AFCON, but failed to approve a joint bid of Nigeria and Benin Republic 2027 bid.
Reasons for not approving the joint bid which involved Nigeria wasn’t made public as at the time the announcement was made by CAF on social media.
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For the record, the 2027 tournament will hold in the Eastern part of Africa, after a joint bid by Kenya, Uganda nd Tanzania was approved by CAF.
Nigeria hosted its first ever AFCON tournament in 1980; they also went ahead to win the title when the final was played in Lagos.
It also hosted its second tournament, in 2000; but then, they co-hosted with Ghana. Nigeria surprisingly failed to win the title, despite being one of the favourites in the tournament.
Reacting, Nigerians on social media urged the Nigerian government to first tackle insecurity. According to a Facebook user, Uchechukwu Njoku; insecurity in the country may be one of the main reason why Nigeria was snubbed.
Insecurity one of the problems which may have affected Nigeria’s AFCON bid
“Nigeria government should fix the insecurities before embarking on frivolities.
What have we benefited as a nation from the previous hostings,” uchechukwu njoku said on Facebook.
Meanwhile, Achibu Nuel101, another Facebook user, explained what he defined as “Shabby” management of the Sports industry in Nigeria as a major factor that may have disqualified Nigeria’s bid.
“Besides insecurity, our sports administrators are doing a very shabby management of the sector. Take it or leave it.” Achibu Nuel101 said.
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“‘Ordinary National Youth Games, we no fit host well, na AFCON we wan host.. Vivid imagination ” Olufemi Ferrari Ajayi added.