The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Tuesday, announced that the 2024 CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN), initially scheduled to kickoff on Feb. 1 has been postponed to August.
A statement on the CAF official website said the tournament, to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, had been delayed to allow more time for the completion of infrastructure and facilities.
According to the statement, CAF’s technical and infrastructure experts, some of whom have been stationed in the host nations, advised that more time is required to bring the infrastructure to the necessary standards.
It noted that significant progress had already been made in the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training grounds, hotels, hospitals, and other facilities.
It, however, said that additional time would ensure readiness for a successful tournament.
CAF president, Patrice Motsepe, was quoted as saying that he was confident that infrastructure once completed would meet CAF standards.
Motsepe also commended the efforts of the host nations’ leaders.
“I would like to express my deep gratitude to President William Ruto of Kenya, President Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, and President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda for their leadership, commitment, and the good progress made.
“I am confident that the infrastructure will meet CAF standards to host a very successful tournament in August 2025,” he said.
The statement said in spite of the latest development, the draw for the tournament will go on as planned in Nairobi, Kenya, on Wednesday at 8:00 p.m. local time.
It added that the specific commencement date in August 2025 will be announced later by CAF.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Nigeria’s Super Eagles B team have been intensifying preparations for the CHAN tournament in Ikenne, Ogun State.
Barely 24 hours after his official unveiling in Abuja, head coach Eric Chelle arrived at the team’s camp in Ikenne-Remo.
Chelle was accompanied by his agent, Sidibe Brehima, and Nigeria Football Federation’s (NFF’s) Technical Director, Augustine Eguavoen.
According to NFF Director of Communication Ademola Olajire, the trio flew to Lagos via ValueJet Airline before proceeding to the Remo Stars Sports Institute.
NFF President Ibrahim Gusau however clarified that Chelle would serve in a supervisory capacity.
Gusau said Daniel Ogunmodede, Fidelis Ilechukwu, and Olatunji Baruwa, who qualified the team for the tournament, would remain in charge of preparations and participation.
The home-based Super Eagles will compete alongside 18 other nations.
CAF’s $3.5 million (N5.4 billion) prize announcement for the tournament winner remains a strong motivation for all the participating teams. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
