‘It was a showcase,’ Serigne Saliou Dia, coach of Senegal's U20 national team, laments the cancellation of the CHAN

The cancellation of the African Nations Championship continues to spark reactions across the African continent.

One of the voices speaking out is that of Serigne Saliou Dia, coach of Senegal's U20 men's national team. A former coach of Senegal's local team, he made no secret of his disappointment at the decision by the Confederation of African Football. He believes it will have serious consequences for African football and players competing in local leagues on the continent.

"First of all, we must regret this decision. I think it will be a fatal blow for players competing in the various local leagues. From its inception, its objective was to give visibility to local players and African leagues, particularly those from countries less represented in the African Champions League or the Confederation Cup. This competition made the leagues more attractive. Players fought to earn a place in the local team. It was a showcase," said Serigne Saliou Dia.

Since its creation in 2007, the African Nations Championship, dedicated to players competing in local leagues, has been held eight times. However, the Confederation of African Football has decided to end the competition. The governing body of African football believes that the African Nations Championship no longer meets its objectives.