‘It’s Shameful’, Lookman Laments Shift To 4-year AFCON Cycle

Nigeria forward and 2024 African Player of the Year, Ademola Lookman, has expressed disappointment over the decision to change the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year format, describing it as ‘shameful’ and ‘a disappointment’.

Reacting after Nigeria’s perfect run in the group stage of the AFCON 2025 in Morocco, Lookman, who is featuring AFCON tournament for the second time since switching allegiance to Nigeria in 2022, admitted that the decision was difficult for African players and fans to accept.

“The decision has been made, I can’t change it. It’s a shame for Africans in terms of not being able to get the tournament every two years like we used to. It’s a disappointment,” Lookman told Ademola Victor TV.

Despite his reservations, the Atalanta winger remained fully focused on Nigeria’s campaign at the ongoing continental soccer competition, where the Super Eagles have emerged as one of the standout teams in the group phase.

Eric Chelle’s side won all three of their group matches to finish top in Group C, with Lookman contributing two goals and two assists.

“It’s been good, three wins from three games. It’s positive for us and we are going in the right direction,” the 27-year-old said.

He added that Nigeria was not seeking an easy path to the title, insisting that facing strong opponents is part of championship football.

“We want to continue this way and continue to win and face everybody, because to win a tournament, you have to play the best,” he said.

LEADERSHIP recalls that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president, Patrice Motsepe, announced the change ahead of the 2025 tournament in December, confirming that the new format would take effect from 2028.

The announcement also included the introduction of an annual African Nations League, similar to the UEFA Nations League.

“Our focus now is on this AFCON, but in 2027 we will be going to Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, and the AFCON after that will be in 2028,” Motsepe told reporters in Rabat on the eve of the opening game of the ongoing tournament.

“Then, after the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, we will have the first African Nations League with more prize money, more resources and more competition.

“As part of this arrangement, the AFCON will now take place once every four years.”

With momentum firmly on their side, the Super Eagles will remain at their base in Fez as they prepare for the knockout rounds, aiming to turn an impressive group-stage performance into a sustained title challenge.

Nigeria are chasing a fourth AFCON title, having previously lifted the trophy in 1980, 1994 and 2013.