Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle has backed calls for the Africa Cup of Nations to return to a two-year cycle, describing the format as crucial to the development of African football.
The Franco-Malian tactician believes holding the continent’s biggest football tournament every two years would give national teams more opportunities to improve, develop players and compete against top opposition.
Chelle told SABC Sport: “For me, it’s perfect because when you want to improve, having one tournament every four years is difficult.
“So, having a tournament every two years now is perfect, so we can continue to improve.”
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The Confederation of African Football had announced plans to move AFCON to a four-year cycle.
However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has recently indicated that the decision could be reviewed, reopening the debate about the competition’s future.
Chelle, who coached Mali at the 2023 AFCON before taking charge of Nigeria at the 2025 edition, believes more frequent tournaments would help African teams narrow the competitive gap with their international rivals.
He added: “We can grow together; we will play two big tournaments instead of the other nations playing one tournament.”
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The Super Eagles coach also highlighted the importance of regular, high-level international competition in preparing African teams for the FIFA World Cup.
He believes a biennial AFCON would provide valuable experience while helping national teams improve their tactical and technical abilities.
Beyond football, Chelle pointed to the potential economic benefits of hosting the tournament more frequently, including opportunities to attract tourists, boost business and generate revenue for host countries.
With CAF reconsidering its position, Chelle’s endorsement adds to the debate over AFCON’s schedule, as he maintains that a two-year cycle would provide a stronger platform for African football to develop.
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