The joint bid by Nigeria and neighboring Republic of Benin has emerged as a strong contender in the race to host the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027, according to CompleteSports.

The Confederation of African Football’s Executive Committee will vote on the bids for both 2025 and 2027 in Cairo on Wednesday.

Morocco is nearly guaranteed to host the 2025 finals, leaving Nigeria and Republic of Benin competing with Senegal, Egypt, Botswana, and a tripartite arrangement of Uganda/Kenya/Tanzania for the 2027 event. Algeria, initially a strong candidate for the 2027 event, withdrew from the race.

Guinea was originally selected to host the 2025 finals but lost the hosting right due to infrastructure and facility issues, compounded by a change in government.

Nigeria has proposed several stadiums for the 2027 bid, the likes of MKO Abiola Stadium, Abuja; Adokiye Amiesimaka Stadium, Port Harcourt; Godswill Akpabio Stadium, Uyo; Teslim Balogun Stadium, Lagos; Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna; Stephen Keshi Stadium, Asaba; Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City and; Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano while Republic of Benin offers the Stade Mathieu Kerekou in Cotonou and the Stade Charles de Gaulle in Porto Novo.

Nigeria has previously hosted and won the 1980 edition of the AFCON and co-hosted the 2000 finals with Ghana.

CAF’s release of the list of referees for the 2023 Africa Nations Cup in Ivory Coast has raised concerns as there are no Nigerian officials listed in any category.

Despite Nigeria’s qualification for the tournament, there is a notable absence of Nigerian referees on the AFCON shortlist.

This issue highlights the need for Nigeria to develop and produce more qualified referees to participate in prestigious continental tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup.

The last Nigerian referee to officiate at the AFCON was Emmanuel Imiere back in 2006.

With the tournament set to begin in January 2024, this absence underscores the urgency for Nigeria to address its refereeing development programs and produce more qualified officials.

Victor Osimhen‘s remarkable performance propelled the Super Eagles to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Sierra Leone at the Samuel Kanyon Doe Stadium in Monrovia, Liberia.

With this win, Nigeria secured their place at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations with a game to spare.

Osimhen made an early impact, coming close to scoring with a well-executed header that was brilliantly saved by Sierra Leone’s goalkeeper.

However, he soon found the back of the net, opening the scoring for the Super Eagles. Displaying his exceptional skills, Osimhen raced onto a clearance and skillfully placed his finish over the goalkeeper to give Nigeria an early advantage.

In the 32nd minute, Osimhen doubled Nigeria’s lead with another well-taken goal. His impressive performance continued to solidify his status as the leading scorer in the AFCON qualification, surpassing Sadio Mane and extending his international goal tally to 17, joining the likes of Odion Ighalo, Ahmed Musa, and Samson Siasia in Nigeria’s all-time scoring chart.

Sierra Leone mounted a spirited comeback and managed to equalize through Bundu’s powerful strike from outside the box.

Nigeria’s goalkeeper Adeleye made crucial saves to prevent further goals, but it was Kelechi Iheanacho who had the final say.

With the last kick of the game, Iheanacho calmly slotted home the winning goal from a Zaidu Sanusi cross, securing Nigeria’s victory.

The win propelled the Super Eagles to the top of Group A with 12 points from five matches, ensuring their qualification for the 2023 Afcon.

Despite having one more game to play against Sao Tome and Principe on home soil, Nigeria can approach the match with a sense of accomplishment and anticipation for the upcoming tournament.