Mahama Urges CAF To Award Ethiopia 2028 AFCON Hosting Rights After Touring Bahir Dar Stadium

According to a report by Joy Sport on Monday October 26, 2026, President John Dramani Mahama has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award Ethiopia the hosting rights for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) following a tour of Bahir Dar Stadium alongside other African leaders.

The visit highlighted Ethiopia’s ambition to host one of Africa’s biggest football competitions and demonstrated the importance of sports infrastructure in the country’s preparations for the tournament.

Mahama’s appeal reflects support for Ethiopia’s efforts to bring the continental football showpiece back to the country, which has a long history with the competition.

During the tour, the Ghanaian President joined other African leaders to inspect Bahir Dar Stadium, one of the facilities expected to play a significant role in Ethiopia’s hosting ambitions.

The stadium, located in the city of Bahir Dar, is among the sporting facilities being considered as the country works towards meeting the requirements for hosting an international football tournament of such magnitude.

Mahama’s call to CAF also draws attention to the potential benefits of hosting AFCON, including increased tourism, infrastructure development, employment opportunities and greater international exposure for the host nation.

The tournament attracts football supporters from across Africa and other parts of the world, providing host countries with an opportunity to showcase their sporting facilities, culture and hospitality.

However, Ethiopia’s bid will depend on CAF’s assessment of the country’s readiness, including stadium standards, training facilities, accommodation, transportation and security arrangements.

Ethiopia has previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1962, 1968 and 1976, making the current bid an opportunity to bring the competition back after several decades.

Mahama’s endorsement adds to the public support for Ethiopia’s ambition, although the final decision on the 2028 tournament’s host will be made by CAF after evaluating the competing bids and relevant requirements.

The tour of Bahir Dar Stadium therefore represents an important moment in discussions surrounding Ethiopia’s preparations, as the country seeks to convince African football authorities that it can successfully organise the continental showpiece.

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