Nigeria, Jan. 1 -- Super Eagles forward Ademola Lookman has spoken with rare bluntness on one of African football's biggest policy shifts, criticising the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for moving the Africa Cup of Nations from its traditional two-year rhythm to a four-year cycle.

Speaking on Wednesday, the Atalanta winger made it clear that while players and fans must live with the decision, it represents a cultural loss for the continent.

"The decision is being made, we can't really change it," Lookman said. "I mean it is a shame for Africans not being able to get the tournament every two years like we have been used to, it is a disappointment."

For decades, AFCON's biennial cadence has been a defining feature of African foo...