The Confederation of African Football awarded Nigeria hosting rights for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations on Thursday, ending years of speculation about the country's ability to stage a major continental tournament and handing the Super Eagles a home advantage for the event two years after the current edition in Morocco.

Nigeria's bid beat competing proposals from South Africa and Egypt, with CAF inspectors particularly impressed by the upgrade plans for Abuja's Moshood Abiola National Stadium and a proposal for a new 60,000-seat arena in Lagos.

Economic impact

The Federal Government estimates the tournament will inject $1.4 billion into the Nigerian economy through tourism, construction and broadcast rights. The Ministry of Sports has been directed to begin the stadium upgrade programme immediately, with an initial allocation of ₦280 billion in the supplementary budget.

"This is a historic day for Nigeria and for African football. We will host a tournament that will be remembered for generations." — Sports Minister John Owan Enoh