Nigeria, Aug. 17 -- The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament is the most important sporting event on the continent. It attracts media attention, sponsors and draws significant global viewership. Organised every two years, it is also considered one of the most difficult to win based on a large qualification pool.

Since it was first held in 1957, only 14 countries have won the right to be called African champions. What factors could possibly explain this?

There is a shortage of research in this area. So, we set out to understandwhat factors could explain the successful performance of these national teams in Africa's premier football tournament.

Unlike normal clubs, national teams don't have full-time players. Instead they have to dr...