New African Nations League proposed to redefine continental competition

African football is on the brink of a significant transformation following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) confirmation that a new African Nations League will be introduced, marking one of the most ambitious reforms in the history of the continent’s international game.

The competition is expected to debut in 2029, forming part of a broader restructuring that also includes the decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years from 2028.

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CAF President Patrice Motsepe unveiled the plan while outlining the future direction of African football, explaining that the new competition is designed to ensure meaningful international matches are played every year, even with AFCON moving away from its traditional biennial format.

The African Nations League will involve all 54 CAF member associations, offering consistent competitive football for national teams across the continent. The proposed structure of the African Nations League mirrors successful models seen elsewhere, particularly in Europe.

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Teams will be grouped into four geographical zones: North Africa, West Africa, East Africa, and Central & Southern Africa, with matches played during FIFA international windows, primarily in September and October.

The winners of each zone are expected to advance to a final stage later in the year, likely in November, where the overall continental champion will be crowned.The introduction of the competition addresses a long-standing challenge in African football, which is the over-reliance on friendly matches during international breaks.

CAF believes the Nations League will replace low-intensity friendlies with competitive, high-stakes fixtures, boosting player motivation, fan engagement, and commercial value. It also ensures regular exposure for smaller footballing nations, helping to narrow the competitive gap across Africa.

The reforms are closely linked to CAF’s decision to reposition AFCON as a quadrennial tournament, aligning it more closely with global competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship.

For years, AFCON’s mid-season scheduling has created tension with European clubs over player availability. By reducing its frequency and complementing it with an annual Nations League, CAF aims to preserve AFCON’s prestige while maintaining year-round relevance for national teams.

Beyond football logistics, the African Nations League is expected to have broader developmental benefits. Regular competitive matches will provide coaches with better benchmarking opportunities, enhance talent scouting, and strengthen national team structures.

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Commercially, CAF anticipates increased broadcasting revenue and sponsorship interest, driven by a more predictable and engaging international calendar.CAF is working with member associations to finalise regulations, scheduling, and qualification criteria.

The African Nations League shows CAF’s intent to redefine how international football is played and consumed on the continent, ensuring that African national teams remain active, competitive, and globally relevant every year, not just during AFCON cycles.