Amaju Pinnick, the president of the Nigeria Football Federation President (NFF), has insisted that European clubs cannot stop African players from representing their countries at the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), which begins in Cameroun on January 9, 2022.
Some European clubs were reported to be plotting to block their players from featuring in next month’s AFCON, because the competition is scheduled in one of the busiest months in their calendar.
The clubs also fear that the novel Omicron variant of COVID-19 pose grave danger to their players, who, according to them, may not be able to access quality health care.
European clubs have about 40 top players listed for the African Cup of Nations. Speaking on the competition, Pinnick corroborated CAF President, Patrice Motsepe’s confirmation that the competition will hold in Cameroun as scheduled from January 9, saying European clubs cannot stop players from honouring the competition.
“FIFA is football’s world governing body and clubs respect the freedom of players to represent their countries in major regional or world competitions.
“We recognise the danger posed by Omicron variant of COVID-19, but we are following what science says about it.
“CAF has contacted one of the best labs in the world to give credibility to what Cameroun has put on ground,” he added.