As the date for the African cup of Nations tournament get closer, clubs in Europe keep mounting pressure for FIFA to postpone the tournament.
However, Samuel Eto’o who is now the football Federation president in Cameroon where the tournament is supposed to take place has expressed disappointment in the clubs. He spoke to Canal Sports about the issue.
“I do not see a convincing reason to postpone the Africa Cup of Nations. The Euro was played during the pandemic with full stadiums.” Eto’o said, adding that, “they played in many cities in Europe, so why shouldn’t we play in Cameroon? If some think we should postpone the tournament, they need to give a good reason.”
The former Barcelona striker said he will make sure the tournament is held at all cost including defending using his last energy to push for it. In his interview with Canal Sports, he said he “will defend with the last energy the holding of this African Cup of Nations” because a lot of commitment has been invested in preparation towards the game both in terms of infrastructure and other areas.
Samuel Eto’o cleared all doubts regarding the tournament. He told Canal that, “We are very clear about our commitment to make the Africa Cup of Nations a success in Cameroon. We will all be present in Cameroon in a few weeks.” The AFCON will start in January next year and end in February. Many African teams have named their provisional squads awaiting the kick-off date.
Head of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe also said “One can appreciate the extent of the commitments made to ensure that the problems raised over the past few days are resolved … We will organize this CAN, in partnership with the government of Cameroon, the people of Cameroon, CAF and the new president of the Cameroonian Federation, Samuel Eto’o. It will be a successful CAN, the most successful of all!”
Source: Wakandafricanews