Super Eagles head coach Eric Chelle has backed plans to return the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a two-year cycle.

According to the Malian tactician, holding the Nations Cup every two years is perfect for the development of African football.

Chelle’s comment comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced in December 2025 that the tournament would move to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition.

However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe recently disclosed that the plan is under review, with a return to the traditional two-year format among the options being considered.

Speaking to SABC Sport on the sidelines of CAF’s Strategy Conference in Cape Verde, Chelle explained why the two-year cycle works.

“For me, it’s perfect because when you want to improve, if you have one tournament every four years, it’s difficult. So, now having a tournament every two years is perfect, so we can continue to improve,” Chelle said.

Chelle has featured prominently in the last two editions of the AFCON.

The 48-year-old guided Mali to the quarter-finals of the 2023 edition in Ivory Coast.

He was also at the helm for Nigeria at the last edition in Morocco, guiding the Super Eagles to a third-place finish after a 4-2 penalty shoot-out win over Egypt.

WDN