Ademola Lookman Criticises CAF Decision to Make AFCON a Four-Year Tournament
Nigeria forward Ademola Lookman has criticised the Confederation of African Football’s decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations into a four-year tournament.
The Atalanta forward described the move as “a shame” and “a disappointment” for players and fans across the continent.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced before the start of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations that the tournament will return to even-numbered years and be played every four years from 2028, ending the two-year cycle that has existed for more than five decades.
Motsepe said: “Our focus now is on this Afcon, but in 2027, we will be going 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… with more prize money, more resources, more competition. As part of this arrangement, the Afcon now will take place once every four years.”
Lookman, who has been one of Nigeria’s standout players at AFCON 2025 in Morocco, admitted that the decision cannot be changed but made his feelings clear.
“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.”
AFCON has been held every two years since 1968 and was moved to odd-numbered years in 2013 to avoid clashes with the FIFA World Cup. The new four-year format means players will have fewer chances to feature in the tournament during their careers.
Despite his criticism, Lookman remains focused on Nigeria’s campaign. The Super Eagles won all three of their group matches and reached the last 16 with a perfect record.
“It is three games that we have won,” Lookman said.
“We want to continue to win the games as we face everybody because if you want to win the tournament we have to face the best team, so we are looking forward to the test ahead.”
Nigeria, champions in 1980, 1994 and 2013, are chasing a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title in Morocco.
