A ball hasn’t even been kicked yet – but this year’s African Cup of Nations is undoubtedly the most talked about in recent memory. From ‘Club vs Country’ rows, to Twitter fanbases descending into Civil War, to the Nation’s uncle, Ian Wright wading in on the debate. It seems like everyone is having their say – except for the players themselves for the most part.
But why exactly is AFCON 2022 causing more furore than previous tournaments? After all, it’s always been inconveniently played during the busiest part of the season for Europe’s top leagues.
Inconsistent resistance
Well, there’s no getting away from the fact that we’re very much still in the eye of the storm of a global pandemic. And as new variants come and go like January transfers, there are no signs normality being restored any time soon. Which is why calls for the competition to be postponed – or even cancelled – are equal parts unrealistic as they are absurd.
The game is already in the midst of a massive balancing act to ensure matches are played to accommodate this year’s mid-season World Cup in Qatar – that’s another matter altogether though. Something just doesn’t quite seem to be adding up.
As mentioned at the start, ex-footballer and current National Treasure, Ian Wright shared his thoughts on the matter in a recent video that went viral. We all thought it, some of us just couldn’t put our finger on what it was. Wrighty described AFCON as the ‘most disrespected’ international tournament around and if we’re being totally honest – you’d have to agree.
While no one’s suggesting that there shouldn’t be concern about players travelling halfway across the globe in the height of a new wave of the virus. What is being suggested is that the energy is more than a little bit off with this one.
The delayed European Championships being played across 10 nations during the summer? Not a problem. Five international breaks in the middle of an already congested 21/22 domestic season? All good. The African Cup of Nations played during the same month where most leagues will actually have a winter break anyway? Nah, we’re good thanks. Let’s scrap it.
Uncomfortable conversations
Whether you sit at the end of the spectrum that says there is a blatant sense of elitism being shown from the domestic/European governing bodies, or whether you’re branding it as plainly as racism. There’s an argument to be had. The sort of vim that the Nigerian Football Federation is being met with over the call-up of Emmanuel Dennis by a club the size of Watford is discomforting to say the least. Make of that what you will.
No one can begrudge the Hornets for protecting their prized asset and thus, protecting their Premier League status. It’s also important to highlight that there are two sides to this story, with the NFF hardly covering themselves in glory if the rumours of their late application for Dennis’ inclusion are true. The stench from Watford’s lack of flexibility is strong though. And ultimately, Dennis is the real loser. His performances this season have more than warranted the chance to play on the international stage alongside the very best the continent has to offer.
Conditional love
But let’s have it right, Watford’s hierarchy are far from the only culprits in the on-going AFCON debacle. As a Liverpool fan, the discourse surrounding our African players heading off to Cameroon for the tournament was uncomfortable to say the least. Tweets of rejoice at the mere mention of the competition being cancelled never sat right with me to be honest.
Why should three players that have given everything for the club have to miss out on representing their country, just because FSG haven’t pulled their fingers out sufficiently to assemble a squad strong enough to compete on multiple fronts?
Now don’t get me wrong, the thought of being without the most potent two-thirds of our famous Front Three doesn’t exactly fill me with joy. Nor does missing the dynamism that Naby Lad offers our already depleted midfield (when fit of course).
If for one second though, you think Salah, Mané or Keïta would choose playing for Liverpool over playing for Egypt, Senegal and Guinea respectively, then respectfully – give your head a wobble.
If we love our African stars as much as we say we do, then it’s high time we started showing a little more respect to something that clearly means so much to them. Just look at the hero’s welcome Mané received upon returning home – this is bigger than football.
Reasons to be cheerful
Controversy aside though, Sunday’s curtain-raiser is highly anticipated. The group stage schedule should present football fanatics with the same satisfaction that Euro 2020 did in the summer. Three games a day? Yes please. And those of you that think the African Cup of Nations think will purely be a vibes-fest, lacking in real quality – you’re sorely mistaken.
We’re talking about some of the best players on the planet on show.
Let’s just hope that Sky Sports do the tournament justice with their coverage. Please, for the love of God’s green Earth – don’t let us see the likes of Souness trying not to use the words “pace and power” to describe Africa’s finest.
Failing that, at least we can take some h’enjoyment from Burnley fans cheering on the Elephants as Maxwel Cornet balls out for the Ivory Coast.
Bet that’s a sentence you never thought you’d hear.
