The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its plan to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years and restored the competition’s traditional two-year cycle.

The CAF Executive Committee unanimously approved the decision on Thursday, October 29, after reviewing the proposal announced in December 2025.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the proposed Africa Nations League would take several years to generate enough revenue to support African football.

In a statement, Motsepe said, “The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by Football Clubs outside Africa.”

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the 2027 tournament, followed by editions in 2028, 2031 and 2033. No tournament is scheduled for 2030 because of the FIFA World Cup.

•Bukayo Saka

Arsenal and England winger Bukayo Saka won the 2026 Sócrates Award at the Ballon d’Or ceremony at London’s Palladium Theatre on Monday.

He was presented with the award by Nigerian superstar Burna Boy.

France Football established the Sócrates Award in 2022 in collaboration with Peace and Sport.

The award is named after the late Brazilian football legend Sócrates, renowned for his social activism and defence of democracy.

The award is presented at the Ballon d’Or ceremony to recognise male and female footballers who use their influence and resources to support humanitarian causes and promote social inclusion beyond the pitch.

• FIFA U15 World Cup Festival

Nigeria’s U15 team made a stunning statement at the ongoing FIFA U15 World Cup Festival in Azerbaijan, with a commanding 7-0 victory over New Caledonia on Wednesday.

The Nigerian youngsters dominated the encounter from the outset, with Oche opening the scoring in the first minute to give his side an early lead.

Ijachi doubled Nigeria’s advantage in the 12th minute before adding two more goals in the 16th and 35th minutes to complete his hat-trick and put the contest beyond New Caledonia’s reach.

Muhammad also impressed in front of goal, scoring twice in the 21st and 39th minutes as Nigeria continued to overwhelm their opponents with a ruthless attacking display.

Salu completed the rout in the 40th minute, taking Nigeria’s tally to seven goals in an emphatic performance by the young side.

Ijachi’s hat-trick was the standout individual achievement, while Oche, Muhammad and Salu also contributed to a comprehensive victory that highlighted Nigeria’s attacking quality.

The convincing win provides an encouraging boost for the Nigerian youngsters as they continue their participation in the FIFA U15 World Cup and Festival.