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CAF Sets Four-Year Africa Cup Cycle From 2028 as Nigeria Reach Last 16 and Hakimi Cleared to Play

The overhaul aligns Africa's calendar with other confederations by replacing the biennial tournament with a Nations League on FIFA dates.

Overview

  • Nigeria beat Tunisia 3-2 in Fès to qualify for the CAN 2025 round of 16, with Ademola Lookman delivering two assists and scoring the third goal.
  • A refereeing performance in NigeriaTunisia drew complaints after a halted advantage on a Tunisia break and a late VAR handball penalty that narrowed the score.
  • CAF confirmed the Africa Cup of Nations will shift to a four-year cycle from 2028, with a CAF Nations League planned to fill FIFA international windows.
  • Algeria defender Aïssa Mandi publicly backed the move to a quadrennial CAN, calling the previous two-year rhythm repetitive and saying the change benefits African football.
  • Mozambique earned its first-ever CAN win by defeating Gabon 3-2, leaving the Panthers close to elimination, while host Morocco expects Achraf Hakimi to make his return against Zambia and the full-back urged home fans to stay behind the team.