SUPER Eagles forward Samuel Chukwueze believes the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) should be given the same level of respect as the World Cup and the European Championship.
Chukwueze spoke out in response to controversy over the timing of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Initially scheduled to take place in the summer, this year’s AFCON is being held from December 21 to January 18, 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,” Fulham star Chukwueze told On Sports TV.
“You have to respect the AFCON the same way you respect the European Championship or World Cup.”
Chukwueze, along with his Fulham teammates Alex Iwobi and Calvin Bassey, will miss six games for his club if the Super Eagles reach 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 the Super Eagles secure an opening 2-1 win over Tanzania in Group C ahead of their second AFCON fixture against Tunisia on Saturday.