Arsenal legend Ian Wright insists the AFCON should be given the needed respect .
The former English striker stressed that people downplay the Africa Cup of Nations and is about time it is given enough dignity.
“Is there ever a tournament more disrespected than the Africa Cup of Nations? There is no great honour, none than representing your country. The coverage is completely tinged on racism,” he stated in a tiktok video
“We played our Euros across 10 countries in the middle of the pandemic and no issues. Cameroon, a single country hosting the tournament is a problem,”
“Imagine a journalist asking players if they will be honoring the call ups for their national teams. Have you ever heard anyone asking an English player if they ever honour a call up?”
Wright also mentioned that some of the best players in the world at the moment are Africans and lauded Ajax striker Sebastien Haller for standing up against a media backlash.
“Some of the best players in Europe right now are Africans. If we love them at our clubs, why not love them at their national teams across the globe.
“Why is this tournament constantly gets so much flak? Shout outs to countries that have qualified and players like Sebastien Haller who has taken a stand against the media backlash plus Patrick Vieira.
“Vieira coming out and speak about it. And being a black manager, people can understand where his roots are and how important this tournament is to African people. This shame has gone on for too long.”
In the end, one of the greatest players in the English Premier League ever wished Cameroon, the players and all Africans the best.
“That’s why I wish Cameroon all success in hosting this tournament and like I said to the players, all the very best and the fans.
The Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in Cameroon from January 9 to February 6, 2022.
