Nigeria’s Chukwueze urges AFCON to be valued like World Cup

Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze has called for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to be afforded the same respect as the FIFA World Cup and European Championship, amid debate over the continent’s showpiece tournament being scheduled during the European club season in Morocco from Dec. 21 to Jan. 18.

Chukwueze, speaking to On Sports TV, acknowledged the timing has ruffled clubs who must release key players, including himself, but stressed the tournament’s status should not be diminished. “Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It’s one of the best competitions in the world,” he said, adding: “You have to respect the AFCON the same way you respect the European Championship or World Cup.”

The Fulham winger will miss up to six club matches if Nigeria reach the knockout stages, but insisted national duty comes first: “You don’t have any choice, your club can’t stop you… saying it’s not a good competition is unacceptable.”

Chukwueze featured as Nigeria opened their AFCON campaign with a 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C and will next face Tunisia