Ex-Super Eagles stars and fans alike have expressed divided opinion on the prospect of the Confederation of African Football cancelling the 33rd Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled for Cameroon next year due to the emergence of a new COVID-19 variant, Omicron.
A top CAF official told newsmen on Wednesday that the continent’s football governing body was deliberating over having the continent biennial competition cancelled due to the outbreak of the Omicron variant.
“I can’t say anything about whether the AFCON will hold or not until it (meeting) is concluded,” the CAF official said.
“We are presently deliberating on the next action to take and its likely CAF may call off the competition because Cameroon doesn’t seem to have the necessary COVID-19 protocols to curtail the new Omicron variant.”
With the tournament just 24 days away, the potential cancellation of AFCON has left former internationals and fans split in their opinions.
Former Eagles goalkeeper, Ike Shorunmu, added that there was no reason to ponder cancelling the competition.
“I don’t know why they’ve decided to take such a decision because we are Africans and our weather is better and favourable to battle the virus,” Shorunmu said.
Atlanta ’96 Olympics gold medallist Abiodun Obafemi, is, however, in support of the competition being called off.
He said, “This situation is of great concern to me because it has to do with players’ health and I don’t want any life to be in danger. So, I think whatever decision they (CAF) take, that will avoid any life being lost, I think I am for it in totality.
“I am very sure the medical team in CAF in collaboration with the World Health Organisation will come out with the best solution for African football.
“We know the Euro 2020 took place despite the coronavirus but we know they could manage the situation because they are very proactive. We can’t compare the way we respond to emergencies in Africa to that of the Europeans.”
Ismaila Mabo, former Super Falcons coach, said cancelling the major Africa tournament would be a hasty decision by CAF.
“I think it is too early for CAF to be talking about cancelling the AFCON tournament,” Mabo said.
“I’m not in support of this idea of cancelling the tournament; what they should be doing is devising other means to comply with the COVID-19 protocols.
“As a coach, my fear is this may affect the psyche of some players who have been working hard to be at the tournament.”
But Ibrahim Shonekan, a football fan, disagrees with Mabo.
“As much as I would have loved for the AFCON to hold, I think we need to put safety first. The lives of the players and others involved are at stake and if the competition cannot be held next year, we can wait another year.”

“Football is not a do-or-die affair and players’ well-being should come first. The virus is deadly and we don’t wish any of the players dead. If cancelling it (AFCON) will keep them safe, I am in total support of it.” Rita Akintoroye added.
Daniel Ebhodaghe, a Lead Cost engineer, questioned the intention to cancel the tournament.
“Has Premier League or LaLiga been cancelled because of this new variant?”
“They can control the recorded cases and at best they put the players coming to play in one camp, restrict their movements and anybody that breaks the protocol should be sent home.
“This is 2022 we are talking about and we are still thinking like we are in the 90s. Last season’s matches were played in empty stadiums.” he explained.