Super Eagles coach, Eric Chelle wants the Africa Cup of Nations back on a two-year schedule. The Super Eagles coach made that clear this week.
Chelle was speaking to SABC Sport at the CAF Strategy Conference in Sal, Cape Verde.
The talks there centered on how Africa’s teams did at the 2026 World Cup and what it would take for an African side to win it one day.
CAF had moved the AFCON to a four-year cycle. Now it’s reviewing that call, and Patrice Motsepe has opened the door to going back to two.
Chelle is firmly in favor. “For me, it’s perfect,” he said, arguing that players and teams struggle to improve when a major tournament comes around only once every four years.
His reasoning is simple. African teams would play two big tournaments in the time other continents play one.
“We need to play some big international games to improve,” Chelle said.
He also pointed to the money side of it, saying the tournament brings visitors and business to whichever country hosts. His summary of the idea was short. “I like this idea.”
Chelle knows the AFCON well. He took Mali to the 2023 edition and Nigeria to the 2025 one. He’s seen up close how long the gaps feel between tournaments.
A two-year cycle would mean more chances to end a wait that dates back to 2013 for Super Eagles. It would also mean more qualifying campaigns, and this one isn’t going well. CAF hasn’t confirmed any change yet, so the four-year plan stands for now.
