Austin Jay Jay Okocha calls for change in timing of Africa Cup of Nations
Nigerian football legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has called for a change in the timing of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), suggesting that the biennial tournament’s scheduling during the European season poses challenges for African players.
Okocha, who won the Nations Cup with Nigeria in 1994, expressed his concerns about the impact of AFCON on African players amid congested football calendars.
He highlighted that the tournament’s January schedule can make it difficult for African players, and some coaches might be reluctant to sign them due to potential disruptions.
The former football star proposed that, similar to the FIFA World Cup, efforts should be made to adjust the timing of AFCON to minimize conflicts with European club schedules.
“They’ve made it so difficult for African players by playing in January or starting the season and winter break very, very early,” Okocha told the BBC World Service.
“If they can move the World Cup to December because of the heat to suit the nations that are participating, why can’t they do something about the Nations Cup, and work together so that it will not affect anybody?
“I know a lot of coaches that refuse to sign African players because of the January (AFCON) window, but they will sign Brazilians who go to play in the Copa America in the summer. It’s not fair.”
Côte d’Ivoire is set to host the 2023 AFCON from January 13 to February 11, 2024, with top clubs across the world already resigned to losing their prized assets to the 24 participatiing national teams.
