By Amaechi Agbo

Three West Africans nations, Nigeria, Ghana and Benin Republic are considering submitting a joint bid to co-host the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON, Bestchoicesports.com.ng understands

Nigeria and neighbours Benin Republic were previously expected to battle Algeria and Morocco for the hosting right., but their West African counterpart, Ghana are now ready to team up with them to host the continental football showpiece.

“There’s a discussion that Ghana should bid with the likes of Nigeria and Benin. We are still considering it. We have not taken a decision yet but there is that discussion that we should get sister countries so that we can put in that bid,” Ghana’s sports minister, Mustapha Ussif was quoted.

Guinea was initially granted the hosting rights of the competition, but the Confederation of African Football (CAF) rescinded the decision due to lack of funds to put in place the required facilities.

It would be recalled that Ghana and Nigeria co-hosted the 2000 edition of the AFCON which Cameroon won against Nigeria in the final played in Lagos

Former Nigeria Football Federation, NFF President, Amaju Pinnick had in July hinted that a possible co-hosting between Nigeria and Benin Republic was being considered

“We are putting a bid together for a co-hosting of the tournament with the Benin Republic.

“The Minister of Sports has given his endorsement on the bidding.

“It is high time Nigeria hosted an international tournament because there are many advantages attached to hosting of such competitions.

“There are many countries bidding for the competition; we are confident of getting the nod from Caf.

“We are working with the ministry of sports to ensure that Nigeria gets the hosting right.” Pinnick had said.

The continent’s football governing body expects finalised bids for AFCON 2025, including documents, proposed host cities and government guarantees, to reach its Cairo headquarters by December 16.

CAF inspection teams will tour bidding countries from 5 to 25 January next year in its quest to find a suitable replacement for Guinea.

Findings from the inspections will be submitted to the 24-member CAF executive committee, which will announce the successful country or co-hosts to stage the 2025 finals on 10 February.