Okocha laments poor AFCON scheduling, calls for review

Super Eagles legend Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has questioned the poor scheduling of the African Cup of Nations tournament.

The former Paris Saint-Germain and Bolton Wanderers midfielder believes the timing of the Cup of Nations puts the African players at a disadvantage.

The 50-year-old opined that if the FIFA World Cup was moved from June-July to November-December due to excessive heat in Qatar, then the timing of the AFCON could be changed.

In a conversation with BBC Sport Africa, the former Frankfurt player elaborated on how the scheduling of the AFCON tournament can significantly affect players, especially amid crowded calendars.

“They’ve made it so difficult for African players by playing in January or starting the season and winter break very, very early. 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?” Okocha said.

WDN