Hosting 2025 AFCON ‘ll boost Nigeria’s socio-economic development, says Dare

Window still open for 2027 edition’
Sports Minister, Sunday Dare, has declared that hosting the 2025 African Cup of Nations would accelerate Nigeria’s socio-economic development.

Nigeria is bidding to co-host the 2025 AFCON with Benin Republic following original host nation, Guinea’s failure to meet Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) timeline on staging the event.

Dare, who said that the Federal Government was still waiting for CAF to decide on the bid, believes the country has done all expected of it by the African body, which recently inspected the nation’s facilities to ascertain whether they are ready for the biennial event.

Speaking on a radio programme monitored in Lagos, yesterday, Dare said getting the nod to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations would open doors for the country’s socio-economic development.

“This is not the first time Nigeria is seeking to co-host the AFCON with a neighbouring African country. Benin Republic was the first country initially given the right to bid for the 2025 AFCON, but Nigeria had to join them because they know they cannot do it alone.

“Already, CAF/FIFA representatives have visited Abuja, Uyo and other designated stadiums for the AFCON. The sports ministry is waiting for CAF’s verdict to know the next step to take,” he said.

Dare disclosed that seven ministries, including the Ministry of Interior, are ready to put their resources together to achieve the hosting bid.

“If the CAF verdict does not favour Nigeria and we can’t host the 2025 AFCON, Nigeria still has the chance to bid for the 2027 edition,” he said.