The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed plans to introduce an annual African Nations League, while officially scrapping the African Nations Championship (CHAN).
The new competition, which will feature all 54 African national teams, is scheduled to begin in 2029 and will be played every year. CAF said the African Nations League is aimed at filling the competitive gap created by changes to the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) calendar.
Following the 2028 edition, AFCON will switch from its current biennial format to a quadrennial cycle, making the need for a regular continental competition more pressing.
The African Nations League is expected to provide consistent high-level international football across the continent.
Competition Format
According to CAF, the tournament will be played during the FIFA international windows in September, October and November each year.
Zonal Group Stage:
Teams will be divided into four geographical zones — North, East, West, and Central/Southern Africa.
Each zone will stage its group matches during the September and October windows.
Final Phase: The top team from each zone will qualify for a knockout phase, to be held in November, where the continental champion will be decided.
Prize Money and Hosting
CAF also revealed that the winner of the African Nations League will earn a prize of $10 million, making it one of the most lucrative national team competitions on the continent.
Nigeria has been selected to host the inaugural edition of the tournament in 2029, marking another major continental assignment for the country.
With the introduction of the African Nations League, CAF has confirmed that the CHAN tournament, which was exclusively reserved for home-based players, will no longer be held.
The governing body believes the new competition will raise standards, improve competitiveness, and enhance the commercial value of African national team football.
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