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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2024 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN), initially set to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in February, Soccernet.football reports.
The tournament will now be held in August 2025, with exact dates to be confirmed later, CAF revealed in a statement on Tuesday.
CAF explained that the decision was driven by the hosting nations’ need for additional time to ensure their infrastructure meets the required standards.
While progress has been made on stadium construction, training fields, hotels, and medical facilities, CAF’s technical and infrastructure experts recommended a delay to guarantee a successful event.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe acknowledged the efforts of the host countries’ leaders, stating: “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 that has been made.”
Dr. Motsepe expressed confidence in the continued development, adding: “I am impressed with the ongoing construction and renovations of the football infrastructure and facilities in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. I am confident that the stadiums, training fields, hotels, hospitals, and other infrastructure will meet CAF standards for hosting a very successful CHAN in August 2025.”
While the tournament’s postponement aims to ensure readiness, it has disrupted preparations for several teams, including Nigeria’s home-based Super Eagles.
Camped in Ikenne, Ogun State, under the supervision of newly appointed Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle, the team was deep in preparations for the February start.
Chelle, who travelled to Ikenne from Abuja on Tuesday, a day after his unveiling, to oversee the team’s plans, was expected to work alongside coaches Daniel Ogunmodede and Fidelis Ilechukwu. However, training activities will now pause until the tournament’s revised schedule is finalised.
Despite the change in start date, CAF confirmed that the CHAN draw, originally slated for January 15, will proceed as planned.
