East African football fans are optimistic that the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy will remain in the region due to significant cash incentives from their respective presidents, boosting morale and performance across the teams.

• Kenya's Harambee Stars have been promised up to Sh600 million for winning the cup, with President William Ruto initially pledging Sh1 million per player per win, later raised to Sh2.5 million per player for a specific match.
• Similar incentives include Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni pledging Ush1.2 billion (Sh46 million) per win for the Uganda Cranes, and Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan making comparable offers.
• The incentives appear effective, with Kenya leading Pool A with seven points, Uganda topping Pool C with six points, and Tanzania heading Pool B with nine points as of August 2025.