The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially unveiled eAFCON, a digital version of the prestigious TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, marking a major milestone in the organisation’s expansion into the rapidly growing global eSports industry. The announcement signals CAF’s ambition to modernise African football engagement while tapping into new commercial and youth-driven digital markets.
According to CAF, eAFCON is designed to mirror the excitement, competitiveness, and national pride associated with the traditional AFCON tournament, but in a virtual gaming environment. The competition will feature elite players representing African nations, competing through globally recognised football gaming platforms under official CAF regulations and branding.
CAF described the initiative as a key pillar of its evolving commercial strategy, aimed at broadening football participation beyond the pitch and connecting with Africa’s fast-growing youth population, many of whom engage with football primarily through digital platforms. By embracing eSports, CAF seeks to position African football within the global digital entertainment ecosystem while creating new revenue streams, sponsorship opportunities, and fan engagement models.
The governing body noted that eAFCON will also provide African gamers with a structured pathway to international recognition, helping to professionalise competitive gaming on the continent. Officials added that the digital tournament aligns with CAF’s long-term vision of innovation, inclusion, and sustainability, ensuring African football remains relevant in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Industry analysts have welcomed the move, describing it as timely and strategic, given the explosive growth of eSports globally and Africa’s expanding gaming community. With eAFCON, CAF joins other major football confederations that have successfully leveraged digital competitions to strengthen fan loyalty and global visibility.
CAF has promised to release further details on tournament format, participating nations, qualification criteria, and prize structures in the coming weeks, as anticipation builds for what could become Africa’s biggest continental eSports football competition.
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