African Football’s Dual Nature and the African Nations Championship (AFCON) 2025
African football has distinct characteristics for years, with talented players excelling in top European clubs and institutional issues plaguing its leaders. The African Nations Championship (AFCON) 2025 reflects this duality, having made significant economic progress while still grappling with federation-related problems.
Economic Advancements
From December 21 to January 18, Marrakech hosts the 35th AFCON with 24 teams, including seven with a secure berth in the 2026 World Cup in North America (Marrakech, Egypt, Tunisia, Algeria, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, and South Africa; the Democratic Republic of Congo will also participate in AFCON and play the intercontinental playoff for the World Cup).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and its primary sponsor, Total Energies, announced that the champion will receive $10 million, a 43% increase from the previous event in 2023 and a 100% increase from 2021. This places it third among the six FIFA confederations, behind Europe’s Euro (over $30 million) and South America’s Copa América ($16 million).
CAF also confirmed that the African Cup of Nations will now be held every four years instead of every two, aiming for financial sustainability. “With this new administration, we will earn more money than we could have in two years. It’s unfair for African players to be embroiled in disputes with coaches and clubs because they must represent their countries,” said CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Star-studded Tournament
Africa boasts a long list of football stars who shine in Europe, competing in the Champions League, Premier League, LaLiga, and other high-stakes competitions. Mohamed Salah (Liverpool), Achraf Hakimi (PSG), and Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) are among the most recognized currently, making AFCON highly appealing worldwide.
CAF secured a record 20 broadcasting partners for the tournament across 30 European territories in collaboration with prestigious international company IMG.
Internal Issues and Controversies
Despite progress in organizational transparency, serious issues persist within various federations affecting players, coaches, and staff. As AFCON 2025 approaches, Cameroon and Uganda drew attention for extracancha problems.
Cameroon’s recent election of former player Samuel Eto’o as federation president fractured the national team. Eto’o dismissed coach Marc Brys and appointed David Pagou, but Brys argued he never received an official dismissal and sent his call-up list alongside Pagou’s.
Pagou’s list excluded prominent Cameroonian players like André Onana, Vincent Aboubakar, and Eric Choupo-Moting due to supposed differences with Eto’o.
Uganda’s players boycotted training a day before AFCON’s start, protesting unpaid bonuses from their federation.
African Football’s Recent Achievements
Despite internal issues, African football has made significant strides. Marrakech led the way with the best-ever African nation performance in a World Cup (fourth place in Qatar 2022), winning the FIFA U-20 World Cup for the first time, and the Arab Cup after a 13-year wait.
All-time AFCON Champions
- *Egypt (7; last in 2010)
- *Cameroon (5; last in 2017)
- *Ghana (4; last in 1982)
- *Nigeria (3; last in 2013)
- *Côte d’Ivoire (3; last in 2023)
