Nigeria international and Fulham winger Samuel Chukwueze has issued a firm call for the global football community to elevate its perception of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The tournament’s winter schedule regularly triggers tension between African national federations and European clubs, who must frequently navigate the absence of key players for up to a month during the peak of the domestic season.
Chukwueze argues that despite these logistical disagreements, the competition’s prestige should remain unquestioned and held in the same regard as other major international spectacles.
The debate surrounding the tournament’s future intensified last weekend following a landmark announcement by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe. Motsepe confirmed that the AFCON will transition to a quadrennial format after the 2028 edition, ending decades of the traditional two-year cycle. This structural shift has ignited significant controversy across the continent, with many stakeholders accusing CAF of capitulating to the financial and scheduling demands of FIFA, UEFA, and elite European organizations.
“Everyone wants to play in AFCON. It is one of the best tournaments in the world. You have to respect AFCON in the same way that you respect the European Championships or the World Cup,” Chukwueze told Reuters during a media appearance in Morocco.
The 26-year-old forward emphasized that the desire of players to represent their nations remains a powerful driver, regardless of the club-versus-country disputes that arise every two years. As Nigeria pursues its fourth continental title at the ongoing 2025 edition, Chukwueze maintains that the tournament’s unique identity and competitive level justify a higher status in the global hierarchy.
The Super Eagles currently focus on their critical Group C match against Tunisia, where a win could solidify their standing as title contenders while the broader conversation regarding the competition’s frequency continues to divide opinions across the football world.
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