Chukwueze wants more respect for AFCON
Nigeria forward Samuel Chukwueze believes the Africa Cup of Nations should be given the same level of respect as the FIFA World Cup and the European championship after controversy over the timing of the tournament in Morocco.
Initially scheduled to take place in the northern summer, this year's AFCON was scheduled for 22 December to 19 January (AEDT), depriving leading European clubs of key players participating in it at a crucial stage of the domestic season.
"Everybody wants to play in AFCON. It's one of the best competitions in the world," Chukwueze said. "You have to respect the AFCON the same way you respect the European championship or [FIFA] World Cup."
The Fulham winger will miss six games for his club if Nigeria reaches the Round of 16.
"We understand they scheduled it at the wrong time of the year, but when it's important, if you get recalled you have to go," he said.
"You don't have any choice, your club can't stop you and no one should say anything bad about the AFCON. Yes, they put it at the wrong time, but saying it's not a good competition or a great competition is unacceptable."
Chukwueze helped Nigeria secure an opening 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C ahead of its second game against Tunisia on Sunday (AEDT).
