Benin: The CAF in inspection’s visits for the organization of 2025 AFCON

After taking away the organization of the 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations (AFCON) from Guinea, The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is looking for a new host country. Last week, it began its inspection visits to candidate countries:  First Zambia, then Morocco and Algeria before finishing its tour over the weekend in Nigeria and on Monday, April 3, in Benin. The two West African countries are submitting a joint bid.

The inspection started at the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo, refurbished in 2009, but needs to be upgraded in order to meet the required standards. Then, it was the tour of the General Mathieu Kérékou Stadium to be visited in Cotonou. This stadium is the biggest sports jewel of the country. Fully renovated, tt has even hosted the Confederation Cup final in July 2021.

 «Regarding the General Mathieu Kérékou Stadium, there were no complaints, everything is fine. But at the Charles de Gaulle Stadium in Porto-Novo, they made a lot of remarks and complaints. We all know the state of this stadium. We explained to them the government’s project, which is already scheduled. They asked for the plans, which we will send to them. We all know that we still have two years to think about improving what we currently have so that Benin is truly in line with CAF’s requirements for competitions like the AFCON», summarized Innocent Atindehou, a member of the Executive Committee of the Beninese Football Federation about the moments of the CAF’s visit.