The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been a dazzling spectacle of footballing brilliance, captivating fans across the continent. As the tournament draws to a close, the spotlight now shifts to the highly anticipated showdown between Nigeria’s Super Eagles and the host nation, Ivory Coast.
Amidst the excitement of the final match, Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has ignited discussions about the tantalizing prospect of an African country hosting the FIFA World Cup.
In an exclusive interview with Sports Brief, Motsepe expressed his optimism and encouraged Nigeria to put forth a bid for hosting the prestigious global event.
“Nigeria must put in a bid. The Nigerian president, Bola Tinubu, is coming to watch the final on Sunday. I will have a conversation with him about it,” he said.
Motsepe’s endorsement underscores the significant progress observed in African football. While the next available opportunity to host the World Cup won’t arise until 2038 — given that the hosting rights for 2026, 2030, and 2034 have already been awarded to other nations — Nigeria’s bid could pave the way for future editions.
The Super Eagles have been nothing short of remarkable in this AFCON edition. Their journey has been marked by resilience, skill, and unwavering determination. From thrilling victories to captivating displays on the field, Nigeria has showcased its footballing prowess.
Players like Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, William Troost-Ekong and Stanley Nwabali have showcased determination, resilience and skill throughout AFCON 2023. Their journey to the final has been marked by thrilling victories and moments of sheer brilliance. As they prepare to face off against Ivory Coast, the entire nation holds its breath, hoping for a historic triumph.
While the dream of hosting the FIFA World Cup may be a few decades away, Nigeria’s footballing trajectory seems to be on an upward curve. Former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Idah Peterside, believes that Nigeria could be ready to host the World Cup within the next 40 years. Stability, infrastructure development, and continued excellence on the pitch will be crucial factors in realizing this dream.
