Two major powerhouses in Africa have signaled their interest to hosts the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following CAF’s official announcement that Guinea have been stripped of the rights.
Algeria and Morocco are keen to join the race to host 35th edition of the AFCON according state media in both North African Countries.
In statement credited to Algerian Minister of Youth and Sports, Abderrazak Sebgag as reported by the State news agency APS, per Elliot Brennan (insidethegame.biz), the Country ‘is applying to stage the continental event.’
The same source quoted Morocco’s state news agency MAP citing a source within the Moroccan FA, who claims the nation ‘was set to submit a bid’ for the tournament.
Meanwhile, in his visit to the west African nation, CAF President Patrice Motsepe explained why Guinea were stripped of the hosting rights.
Motsepe said the decision was taken back in July and it was solely on the basis of the lack of infrastructure and facilities.
“The 2025 Nations Cup allocated to Guinea will not take place there because we’re not yet ready in Guinea,” Motsepe told a news conference.
“The CAF decision was taken in July and was reported to the transitional government in Guinea stating that where we are right now, there should be a process to allow new bids to come forward.
“CAF is going to ask to receive new bids because the infrastructure and facilities are not appropriate or ready for CAF to host the 2025 Nations Cup in Guinea, and that’s the basis of the decision.”
Nigeria’s interest in presenting a joint bid with Benin Republic for the AFCON is unconfirmed, yet, but with the change of leadership in the NFF and the Nigerian government in 2023, it is unclear if the Country will pursue the process.
Nigeria previously hosted the tournament twice – 1980 and 2000 – the latter was as joint host with Ghana.
