Ivory Coast Withdraws From Hosting 2025 Under-20 AFCON, Leaving CAF To Find New Host

Ivory Coast Withdraws From Hosting 2025 Under-20 AFCON, Leaving CAF To Find New Host

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is now seeking a new host for the 2025 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Ivory Coast unexpectedly withdrew from its role as the host nation. This decision comes just weeks before the tournament, which is set to run from April 26 to May 18, 2025, leaving Nigeria’s Under-20 national team, the Flying Eagles, in a state of uncertainty.

The Flying Eagles are currently undergoing an intensive training camp in Katsina, where they are being coached by Aliyu Zubairu in preparation for the upcoming competition. The team is focused on refining their skills and fostering team cohesion ahead of the tournament…READ MORE…

The Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) made the announcement of the withdrawal shortly before the tournament, although the exact reasons for this decision have not been disclosed.

In an official statement, FIF president Yacine Idriss Diallo confirmed that the Ivorian government had notified the federation of the decision to withdraw from hosting duties. This unexpected change poses a significant logistical challenge for CAF, which now faces the task of quickly securing an alternative host with less than a month to go.

The timing of this withdrawal also raises concerns about the broader 2025 sports calendar, particularly as the African Nations Championship (CHAN) has already been rescheduled from February to August 2025. With little time remaining, CAF is under pressure to ensure that the Under-20 AFCON proceeds as scheduled without further complications.

Meanwhile, the Flying Eagles are preparing for a tough group stage in the tournament, where they will face strong teams such as former champions Egypt, Morocco, and South Africa in Group B.