Patrick Vieira calls for 'more respect' for African Cup of Nations: 'It's as big as the Euros'

"I would never stop a player going to the competition," Crystal Palace manager 

 told the BBC about the African Cup of Nations (AFCON).

"I believe that the competition needs to be more respected. 

"That competition is as big as the European Championship."

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You said it all, if you value what belongs to you then others would think twice before subjecting it to ridicule.

What our continent is suffering in football is an offshoot of our global status. Most African nations are underdeveloped, densely population, unemployed or underemployed encumbered with security challenges and so much more.

The leadership and the followership on the continent are problematic. We have these corruptional, insincere and opportunistic behaviors that are not ideal, so what we are getting is borne out of how we have presented ourselves to the Europeans and the rest of world.

If we want to be treated differently then we must act differently and put in respectable attitudes that would make them see us in a different light.

So for starters, CAF need to stop being parasitic and detach itself from d apron of FIFA and show the world that Africa is capable of doing things right.

Oluwagbenga Aborisade

I don't even think our African leaders place that much value on our competition. 

On paper, it is as important as the European Championship. But in reality, it's not close. 

Until we Africans begin to value the things that are ours, nothing will change because the Europeans will always think themselves superior, consciously or unconsciously...

Ewella Gunz

Not for the Europeans its not , as theyre losing some of their best players midseason , so more of a burden fir them.

steveyd

yes it's as special as Euros, let FIFA take this consideration. thanks Coach Patrick Viera for speaking

Patrick Vieira calls for 'more respect' for African Cup of Nations: 'It's as big as the Euros'

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