Osimhen could miss next AFCON as De Laurentiis plan to stop signing African players for Napoli

Victor Osimhen could miss out on the next Africa Cupnof Nations after an outburst from Aurelio De Laurentiis.

Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has revealed his annoyance at African players who often leave the club for the Africa Cup of Nations.

In January there was a long battle between Nigeria and Napoli over the release of Victor Osimhen for the 2021 AFCON held in Cameroon.

Victor Osimhen who picked up an injury weeks into the start of the tournament was deny a chance to represent Nigeria.

The Nigerian striker was able to recover in time for the tournament and declared himself fit and ready but Napoli stood in his way.

Looks like this might repeat itself in the next edition after Napoli president De Laurentiis revealed that he may no longer sign African players.

The Italian said he could reconsider that decision should the player refuse to play at biannual event.

“I told them lads, don’t talk to me about Africans anymore,!” De Laurentiis was speaking during an event by Wall Street  Italia.

“I love them, but either they sign something confirming they’ll back out of playing the Africa Cup of Nations, or otherwise… between that tournament, the World Cup qualifiers in South America, these players are never available!

“We are the id*ots who pay salaries only to send them all over the world playing for others.”

Should Aurelio De Laurentiis make good of his treat, he might stop the African players from participating in the next AFCON.

FIFA stance on this issue is for clubs to release the players, but could result in a long battle between the country FAs and the Italian club which could affect the players.