African Nations League Unveiled with N14bn Prize for Champions
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the creation of the African Nations League, a groundbreaking continental competition set to begin in 2029. This new tournament will feature Nigeria's Super Eagles facing off against traditional rivals including Ghana, reigning AFCON champions Senegal, and Ivory Coast in what promises to be a fierce battle for continental supremacy.
Massive Financial Incentive and Tournament Structure
CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed during the Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania that the overall champions will receive a staggering $10 million prize, equivalent to approximately N14 billion. This substantial financial reward underscores CAF's ambition to establish the African Nations League as a premier football competition on the continent.
The tournament will operate on a zonal, home-and-away format rather than being hosted in a single nation. The continent has been divided into four geographic zones: North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, and Central/Southern Africa. Nigeria finds itself in the competitive 16-nation West Africa Zone alongside football powerhouses Senegal, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Mali, Burkina Faso, and Guinea.
Revitalizing African Football Rivalries
Inspired by the successful UEFA Nations League model, the African Nations League aims to maintain intense rivalries across the continent as the Africa Cup of Nations transitions to a four-year cycle starting from 2028. The new competition is expected to be held every two years, fitting strategically between AFCON tournaments to keep African football vibrant and competitive year-round.
The West Africa Zone promises particularly thrilling matchups, with Nigeria's historic rivalry against Ghana set to be reignited alongside challenging encounters against current AFCON champions Senegal and former champions Ivory Coast. These regional confrontations are expected to generate significant excitement among football fans across Africa.
Tournament Format and Progression
The competition will follow a structured progression system where teams compete within their respective zones through home-and-away matches. Zonal winners will then advance to a continental finals stage, where a host nation will be selected to stage the championship matches. Importantly, the continental finals will not be tied to a permanent host, allowing different nations to showcase their football infrastructure and hospitality.
Victor Osimhen is anticipated to lead Nigeria's charge in this new competition, bringing his world-class talent to bear against Africa's finest teams. The tournament format ensures that every match carries significant weight, with progression to the continental finals at stake throughout the zonal phase.
Broader Continental Participation
Beyond the West Africa Zone, the tournament features comprehensive participation from across the continent:
- North Africa Zone (6 nations): Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Egypt, Libya, and Mauritania
- East Africa Zone (16 nations): Including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Rwanda
- Central and Southern Africa Zone (16 nations): Including DR Congo, South Africa, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea
This structure ensures representation from all regions of Africa, creating a truly continental competition that will showcase the diverse football talent across the continent. The African Nations League represents a significant evolution in African football organization, promising more frequent high-stakes matches between traditional rivals while offering substantial financial rewards for successful teams.
