Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze insists that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) deserves the same level of respect as the World Cup and the European Championship, amid controversy surrounding the tournament’s
timing in Morocco.
Originally set for the summer, this year’s AFCON has been rescheduled to December 21-January 18, causing leading European clubs to lose key players during a crucial part of the domestic season.
“Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” Chukwueze told On Sports TV. “You have to respect the AFCON the same way you respect the European Championship or World Cup.”
The Fulham winger could miss six games for his club if Nigeria advances to the round of 16.
“We understand they scheduled it at the wrong time of the year, but when it’s important, if you get recalled you have to go,” he added. “You don’t have any choice, your club can’t stop you, and no one should say anything bad about the AFCON. Yes, they put it at the wrong time, but saying it’s not a good or great competition is unacceptable.”
Chukwueze played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s 2-1 victory over Tanzania in Group C, ahead of their next match against Tunisia on Saturday.
