The 33rd edition of Africa Cup of Nations which will kickstart on 9 January 2022, hosted in Cameroon will raise high bar as Africans start to anticipate for a grand battle in Yaoundé. The country has move forward to be a strong contender for the Africa’s biggest tournament. Former Barcelona, Chelsea and Everton striker, Samuel Eto’o has been elected as the country’s football chairman to give high hope for the host country. Big names will be expecting to lit up the stage, while youngsters will catch the moment to shine at international level.
The issue of call ups for abroad players have been dominated trend, having issued by the FIFA, 3 January for selected players to travel to their countries. There have been alleged speculations about foreign managers blocking players call ups to prioritize the interests of the club, alleged to have threaten players who are obstinate about representing their country of losing their place in the squad if they chose to honour call up by their country. Senegal and Watford have been in loggerheads over the issue surrounding Sarr, who has been named in the squad but declared by Watford unavailable as he is still going through rehabilitation after injury, he sustained couple of months ago. Senegal is pointing fingers at the English club for influencing the youngster.
 It is unbecoming to stage Africa’s biggest tournament in this time of the year, where interested parties will be at the edge to protect their interest- countries and clubs. This is the result of the pandemic which has altered required preparation and timeframe. Notwithstanding, Africa Cup of Nations will be a battle for Africa’s greats to show what the continent footballers are made of, as all the attention will be turned to the tournament. Egypt will be holding onto Mo Salah magnificent form, while Algeria will put in good one to defend the title. Nigeria willing to exploit physicality of Leicester City pair; Kelechi Iheanacho and Wilfred Ndidi.
Sustainable leadership in Africa
There are no minnows in this tournament each team is capable of causing upset. There is no very clear or team tipped to win Africa Cup Nations in Cameroon, but the defending champions- Algeria will have a long battle in reinforcing their reign, Cote d’Ivoire are capable of snatching the title away looking at the names in their squad, while Sadio Mane will be looking to power Senegal national team to put everything in line for Africa’s heavyweight.
Passion for football in Africa never fades away, the fans know how to make it a bang. It is going to live up to the passion. Africa Cup of Nations will trigger the feelings once again, a big announcement that football is back in Africa, strong and better. Fans will lit up the stage and huge turn up to show solidarity for their countries. This could be time where Africa needs to strengthen unity in the continent, whatever way it should be, but football knows how to make it palatable, every second in the pitch is going to be drop of passion.
