Former Nigerian midfielder and 1994 AFCON winner, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha has expressed his concerns regarding the timing of the Cup of Nations.

Africa’s premier football event has ignited a contentious debate over its scheduling, with tensions escalating between football clubs and the national teams participating in the tournament.

The AFCON’s placement within the Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) calendar has intensified the clash, as clubs are obligated to release players 14 days prior to the commencement of the competition.

“They’ve made it so difficult for African players by playing in January or starting the season and winter break very, very early,” Okocha told BBC Sport Africa.

“If they can move the World Cup to December because of the heat to suit the nations that are participating, why can’t they do something about the Nations Cup, and work together so that it will not affect anybody?

The 2023 edition, hosted by Cote d’Ivoire, is scheduled to kick off on January 13 and conclude on February 11.