The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced a historic expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams on Sunday. President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision following an executive committee meeting in Cairo.
This growth reflects the body’s desire to showcase the best African talent globally. Consequently, the expansion aims to provide more opportunities for emerging national teams to compete at the highest continental level.
“This reflects our commitment to world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent,” Motsepe stated during a press conference.
While the 2027 finals remain set for Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, a major scheduling shift is coming. After the 2028 tournament, the AFCON will move to a four-year cycle.
Nigeria Secures Historic Administrative Milestone In Cairo
In a landmark development for Nigerian football, Samson Adamu has been appointed as the Acting General Secretary of CAF. This is the first time a Nigerian has held the top administrative post since 1957.
Samson Adamu has been appointed interim General Secretary of the African Football Confederation (CAF). He replaces Congolese Véron Mosengo-Omba. A key role for the Nigerian, who will ensure the transition until the next General Assembly. He is the son of former FIFA Executive Committee member, Amos Adamu.
Adamu replaces Véron Mosengo-Omba, who resigned to pursue the presidency of the DR Congo football federation. Before this, Adamu served as the Director of Tournaments and Events for the continental body.
“Adamu served as CAF’s Director of Tournaments and Events, where he played a pivotal role in the successful organisation of major continental competitions,” said PUNCH Sports Extra.
As the chief executive of the General Secretariat, Adamu will now oversee daily operations and manage all CAF competitions. He is expected to provide stability during this significant period of transition.
“Congratulations to our own Samson Adamu who has been appointed Acting General Secretary of CAF,” the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) shared in a celebratory post on X.
Sweeping Reforms For VAR And Judicial Transparency
CAF also unveiled extensive changes to its regulations to rebuild trust in match officials. These reforms follow the controversial 2025 AFCON final, which is currently before the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The new statutes aim to professionalize referees and VAR operators through rigorous training with FIFA. Furthermore, Motsepe Alleged that these improvements will ensure “unacceptable incidences” from the past do not happen again.
“We must also professionalise African Referees and VAR Operators and pay them well,” Motsepe explained while discussing the need for international standards in African officiating.
“The independence and impartiality of the CAF Judicial Bodies is imperative,” he added. He insisted that each of the 54 Member Associations will be treated equally without preferential treatment.
CAF plans to launch a new Nations League in 2029. This biennial 16-team tournament will run alongside the restructured AFCON to ensure African fixtures are more “predictable, consistent and reliable.”
The body is also preparing national teams for the FIFA World Cup 2026. Motsepe expressed high confidence that African nations will perform exceptionally well in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
“We are confident that the African Nations participating in the FIFA World Cup 2026 will make us proud,” the CAF president concluded during his wide-ranging policy address.
