Why Eric Chelle wants AFCON every 2 years

Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has thrown his weight behind plans to return the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a two-year cycle.

The Franco-Malian tactician has described the proposed two-year format as ‘perfect’ for the development of African football.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) had previously announced plans to move the continental tournament to a four-year cycle. However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe recently opened the door to a review that could see the competition return to its traditional format.

Chelle, who coached Mali at the 2023 AFCON before leading Nigeria at the 2025 edition, believes holding the tournament every two years would give African nations more opportunities to improve.

“For me, it’s perfect because when you want to improve, if you have one tournament every four years, it’s difficult. So, now having a tournament every two years is perfect, so we can continue to improve,” Chelle told SABC Sport.

Chelle explains why Africa needs AFCON every two years

Chelle is convinced that regular participation in major international competitions would help African teams develop their players and prepare better for global tournaments.

“We can grow together, we will play two big tournaments instead of the other nations, they will play one tournament,” he added.

Chelle, who led the Super Eagles to a disappointing 3-0 defeat against Guinea-Bissau last month, also stressed the importance of playing high-level international matches before the World Cup. The former Lens defender argued that a more frequent AFCON would give African teams valuable competitive experience.

Beyond football, the Super Eagles boss believes hosting the competition more regularly could benefit African countries economically by attracting visitors and generating commercial opportunities.

“If you speak of life and the economy in Africa, it brings something to the country who organises the tournament. I like this idea,” he said.

Nigeria, struggling to qualify for the next edition in East Africa, have not won the AFCON since lifting the trophy in 2013 under the late Stephen Keshi.

Five different nations have won the competition since Nigeria’s last triumph, with Ivory Coast the only country to claim two titles during that period.

Senegal would have also claimed it twice in the last 13 years but their AFCON 2025 victory was overturned and handed to Morocco.