During Afcon 2021 in Cameroon, Brentford’s Nigerian star Frank Onyeka (left) and Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey (right) were among the key players.
With the approach of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), the enduring debate of club versus country surfaces again. Is it still a significant concern?
Notable footballers like Mohamed Salah, Victor Osimhen, and Achraf Hakimi will participate in the Ivory Coast-hosted event, starting January 13 and concluding February 11. Despite occurring in 2024, it’s officially termed ‘2023’ Afcon.
Even though some European leagues will be on winter break, clubs will nonetheless experience a shortage of primary squad members for several weeks.
Sport Newes Center Africa delves into how another mid-season Afcon impacts players, clubs, managers, and fans.
Insights into Afcon 2023
Player Dilemmas
Frank Onyeka, Brentford’s midfielder, eagerly anticipates his second Afcon with Nigeria. He reminisces about his journey from playing in Nigerian streets to donning the national team’s green and white. It’s a fulfilling moment, following in the footsteps of past Afcon legends. Onyeka, along with African teammates Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) and Yoane Wissa (DR Congo) at Brentford, acknowledges the challenges ahead but remains confident in his team’s depth.
Despite his absence at Afcon due to injury, Mbeumo, like Onyeka and Wissa, will be greatly missed by Brentford.
Liverpool’s Jurgen Klopp has criticized Afcon’s timing, but Brentford’s Thomas Frank supports his players participating in the tournament. Onyeka, reflecting on his post-Afcon adjustment to the Premier League, highlights the mental strength required in such transitions.
Afcon Scheduling
In 2017, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) moved Afcon from January-February to June-July, starting with the 2019 edition in Egypt. However, the 2021 Afcon was rescheduled to early 2022 due to weather concerns in Cameroon and the Covid-19 pandemic.
This shift garnered criticism, prompting defenses of the tournament like that from former English striker Ian Wright. Nigerian football legend Jay-Jay Okocha also expressed concerns about the timing’s impact on African players amidst their busy schedules.
Fan Conflicts
The participation of star players like Arsenal’s Thomas Partey and Crystal Palace’s Jordan Ayew in Afcon leaves fans like Issahaku Abdul-Mumen, president of a Ghanaian West Ham fan club, conflicted. While proud of their African heritage and the tournament, the absence of key players like West Ham’s Mohammed Kudus during the season is a source of disappointment.
Coaches and Club Management Challenges
West Ham’s David Moyes admits the difficulty in compensating for Kudus’ absence. Chris Hughton, Ghana’s national coach, however, sees the club versus country debate as a fading issue, with modern clubs more accommodating of their African players’ Afcon commitments.
The 2025 Afcon in Morocco, clashing with Fifa’s expanded Club World Cup, signals continued challenges in balancing club and country commitments for Africa’s top footballers.
Afcon 2023 Group Previews: Groups A, B, and C; Groups D, E, and F.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Afcon 2023 dilemmas
What is the main issue discussed in the Afcon 2023 article?
The article focuses on the persistent dilemma of club versus country faced by African footballers during the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) 2023. It delves into how players, clubs, and fans navigate the challenges of participating in this significant continental tournament while managing commitments to their respective football clubs.
How does Afcon 2023 affect football clubs and players?
During Afcon 2023, football clubs in Europe and elsewhere experience the absence of key African players, which impacts team performance and dynamics. Players face the challenge of balancing national pride with club responsibilities, and after the tournament, they often struggle with reintegration into their club teams.
What are the views of players like Frank Onyeka regarding Afcon 2023?
Frank Onyeka, a midfielder for Brentford and Nigeria, expresses pride and excitement about representing his country in Afcon. He acknowledges the challenges but sees it as an honor and a dream come true to play for Nigeria in such a prestigious event.
How has the scheduling of Afcon created a dilemma?
The scheduling of Afcon, traditionally held in January-February but moved to June-July in 2019 and then back again, creates a dilemma. This timing often conflicts with club football seasons in Europe, leading to a tug of war between national team duties and club commitments for African players.
What are the fan perspectives on Afcon 2023?
Fans, especially those of European clubs with key African players, feel conflicted. They experience pride in seeing their countrymen represent their nations in Afcon but also feel the loss when these players are absent from club matches during the tournament.
How are football managers and clubs adapting to the Afcon schedule?
Football managers and clubs are increasingly adapting to the Afcon schedule. They now often plan for the absence of African players during the tournament period, recognizing it as an integral part of signing African talent and respecting their national team commitments.
More about Afcon 2023 dilemmas
- Africa Cup of Nations 2023 Overview
- Club vs Country: The Afcon Challenge
- Player Perspectives on Afcon Participation
- Afcon 2023 Schedule and Its Impact
- Fan Reactions to Afcon 2023
- Coaching Strategies During Afcon
- Afcon’s Influence on Football Transfers
5 comments
the point about European clubs adapting to Afcon schedule is spot on. It’s all about planning and having depth in the squad. modern football’s all about juggling these commitments.
gotta say, the article really hits the mark about Afcon’s timing issues. It’s a real headache for the clubs, but hey, representing your country? That’s big stuff.
Frank Onyeka’s passion for playing for Nigeria, it’s so inspiring! But also kinda feel for the clubs, losing key players mid-season? tough luck.
Hm, the article could’ve dived deeper into how fans really feel. We love our club matches and missing our stars during Afcon hurts. But it’s a mix of pride and pain, right?
Interesting read! I never thought about how tough it must be for the players to jump back into their club teams after such a big tourney like Afcon. Must be tough mentally and physically.