CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has officially unveiled ambitious plans for the 2029 African Nations League, a massive continental undertaking designed to feature all 54 African member nations in a centralized, zonal competition.
Speaking on the vision for the tournament, Motsepe highlighted the potential for high-stakes regional rivalries, stating, “We will have 54 African countries participate. Imagine Kenya vs Tanzania, Ghana vs Nigeria, Egypt vs Morocco, Ivory Coast vs Cameroon.”
To ensure the highest level of competition without disrupting the global football calendar, the CAF leader confirmed that the event “will take place during the FIFA window break” and noted that “it will be staged in one country” where “all the best players will come to play.”
Under the proposed structure, the tournament will be organized into regional hubs, with Motsepe explaining that “it will be zonal-based; for example, Nigeria will host all West African games.”
Following the regional qualifiers, the path to the championship will narrow as “all zonal winners will meet to fight for the ultimate prize,” with a final draw determining the knockout fixtures.
Motsepe expressed immense confidence in the commercial and sporting appeal of the new format, concluding that “it will be exciting” for fans across the continent and beyond.