The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the postponement of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), originally scheduled to take place from February 1 to 28, 2024, in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The tournament will now be held in August 2025, with the exact dates to be confirmed.

The decision to delay the competition stems from the need for additional time to ensure the readiness of infrastructure and facilities in the host countries. According to CAF, progress in the construction and upgrading of stadiums, training grounds, hotels, hospitals, and other essential amenities has been commendable. However, its technical and infrastructure experts advised that more time is required to meet the high standards necessary for hosting a successful tournament.

“We are confident that with this additional time, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will meet the required standards to deliver a world-class tournament. We are grateful for the leadership and commitment shown by the presidents of the three nations in ensuring the success of this project,” CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe stated.

Despite the postponement, preparations for the tournament continue, with the draw set to proceed as planned on January 15, 2025, in Nairobi. CAF assured stakeholders that the extra time will not only help to refine infrastructure but also ensure a memorable tournament for players, fans, and participating nations.

This postponement marks a significant opportunity for the host nations to bolster their preparations. As a regional collaboration between Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the 2024 CHAN—now 2025 CHAN—represents a unique chance for East Africa to shine on the continental stage. The delay provides the trio with additional time to enhance logistics, finalize infrastructure, and ensure that fans and teams enjoy a seamless experience.

Nigeria’s CHAN Eagles, the home-based players often referred to as the Super Eagles Team B, have been actively preparing for the tournament in Ogun State over recent weeks. These preparations will now be put on hold, marking an abrupt pause for the squad.

Newly appointed Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle had traveled to oversee the team's activities as part of his engagement with the CHAN Eagles, as noted by Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) President Ibrahim Gusau. However, with the postponement, Chelle will shift his focus towards the 2026 World Cup qualifiers set to kick off in March, giving him valuable time to strategize and refine plans for the senior national team.

CHAN remains a key tournament for showcasing homegrown talent across Africa, as it exclusively features players who ply their trade within their home countries.

CAF is expected to release further updates regarding the specific dates and logistics for the rescheduled tournament in the coming months.

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