CAF postpones African Nations championship

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has delayed the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), initially set to begin on February 1, to August 2025.

This decision allows additional time to finalize infrastructure and facilities in the host nations—Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

CAF’s Technical and Infrastructure teams, which include on-ground experts in the host countries, recommended the postponement to ensure all venues meet the organization’s standards.

While considerable progress has been made on stadiums, training grounds, hotels, hospitals, and other essential facilities, more time is needed for full readiness.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised the efforts of the hosting nations’ leaders, commending Kenyan President William Ruto, Tanzanian President Samia Suluhu Hassan, and Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni.

“I am confident the infrastructure will meet CAF standards to host a very successful tournament in August 2025,” Motsepe stated during an official update.

Tournament draw to proceed as scheduled

Despite the delay, the draw for the competition will still take place in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday, January 15, at 8:00 p.m. local time. The exact start date in August will be confirmed later by CAF.

Nigeria’s preparations adjusted

The postponement impacts Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team, which has been training intensively in Ikenne, Ogun State.

Head coach Eric Chelle, who arrived at the camp shortly after his official unveiling, has taken on a supervisory role.

Preparations remain under the direct management of Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who led the team to qualification.

Significant prize incentive remains

Despite the schedule change, CAF has maintained the $3.5 million prize money for the tournament winner, a strong motivator for the 19 competing nations. Teams include the host countries, Morocco, Guinea, Senegal, and others.

The draw ceremony will take place at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre in Nairobi, featuring CAF’s Director of Competitions, Samson Adamu, alongside football legends Hassan Wasswa (Uganda), Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania), and McDonald Mariga (Kenya).