Nigeria not hosting AFCON since 2000 is a big shame – Obinna Nsofor

Nigeria’s inability to host the African Cup of Nations since 2000 is “sad” and “a great shame”, according to former Super Eagles winger Obinna Nsofor.

Speaking on the country’s deteriorating stadium standards and inability to meet CAF requirements, Nsofor said Nigeria must urgently address its infrastructure issues.

“The fact is that it has been a long time since Nigeria, as a country, had the opportunity to host a major tournament. The last one we hosted was in 2000,” he recalled.

“We all know the situation we have in Nigeria as a country in terms of infrastructure. The standard of the stadiums is not at the level required to host a big CAF tournament, and that is the truth.”

Infrastructure improvement is urgent

Nsofor also expressed concern over the Super Eagles’ inability to play matches in different states across the country due to inadequate facilities.

“Even the Nigerian team finds it difficult to play matches in the country.

“In terms of going to other states for Super Eagles matches, we only have one stadium in Nigeria that meets the standard required to host qualifying matches.”

Bad maintenance culture.

“It’s quite unfortunate and sad. In Nigeria there is no long-term plan because we only plan for the present. We don’t have a culture of maintenance.”

“A stadium like the National Stadium in Abuja, with the amount of money that has been spent on it, can’t even host a national team match. It’s really sad.”

Nsofor insisted that Nigeria has the potential to successfully host AFCON again if the right investments are made.

“As a country, we have to do better if we want to move forward. We have to tell each other the truth and start doing the right thing.”

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“If we implement the infrastructure, there is no way the CAF will not inspect it and verify that it meets the required standards. There is no way they will not accept our offer and allow us to host the AFCON.”

Nigeria’s most recent attempt to host the tournament came in the bidding process for AFCON 2027, where the country submitted a joint bid alongside Benin.

However, hosting rights were eventually awarded to the joint East African bid of Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania in September 2023.