The History of AFCON Sponsorship

With just under a month until the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, I’ve been reflecting on why I rate this tournament so highly. I first got into it during the era of George Weah, Samuel Eto’o, Jay‑Jay Okocha and, of course, as an Arsenal fan, Lauren and Nwankwo Kanu, players who were electrifying to watch. Yet from a sponsorship and broadcast perspective, I never felt AFCON received the global attention it deserved, and to a certain extent that remains true today. This reflection is the starting point for a broader blog series exploring how AFCON’s sponsorship story has evolved, from its history to the ambassador deals and brand activations shaping the tournament today.





