The recently concluded 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, showcased the remarkable evolution of African football, proving that the continent can now compete at the highest level. The tournament delivered thrilling matches, tactical brilliance, and standout performances from emerging and established talents, reinforcing Africa’s growing influence in global football. This achievement comes on the heels of Morocco’s historic run at the FIFA World Cup in Qatar, where the Atlas Lions made history as the first African team to reach the semi-finals. Their impressive campaign captivated audiences worldwide and shattered long-standing barriers for African teams in international football. These milestones underscore the immense potential within African football, highlighting the need for continued investment in local leagues, infrastructure, and talent development to sustain and build upon this momentum. With 52 matches played, top-tier stadiums utilized, and officiating standards—particularly the performance of the Video Assistant Referee (VAR)—receiving praise, the 2023 AFCON was widely regarded as the best edition in the tournament’s history. This sentiment was echoed by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, who lauded the competition's overall success. Football enthusiasts, including high-profile European managers like the outspoken José Mourinho, commended CAF for its effective use of VAR at the 2023 AFCON. Mourinho even remarked, “In AFCON, VAR is used exactly the way it should be used,” taking a subtle jab at the English Premier League’s controversial application of the system. One of the tournament’s most striking takeaways was the impressive performances of lesser-fancied teams, which defied expectations by eliminating some of the continent’s traditional football powerhouses. These so-called underdogs thrived due to greater team cohesion, largely because many of their players compete together in domestic leagues, unlike nations whose squads are mostly assembled from foreign-based professionals. Although Nigeria’s Super Eagles reached the final, ultimately falling 2-1 to host nation Côte d’Ivoire, the tournament underscored a crucial lesson for Nigerian football: the urgent need to strengthen the local league—the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL). A stronger domestic league would produce a pool of homegrown players who understand each other’s playing styles, fostering better chemistry within the national team. To achieve this, both federal and state governments must take the lead in upgrading football infrastructure, ensuring stadiums meet international standards with high-quality playing and training surfaces. Enhanced facilities would attract broadcasters, bringing matches into homes and increasing viewership, which in turn would appeal to sponsors looking to maximize their brand exposure. With significant revenue from television rights, NPFL clubs could gain the financial muscle to retain top local talent and even attract quality foreign players, elevating the league’s competitiveness and overall appeal.