Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye voices frustration over AFCON timing ahead of Morocco 2025

Senegal international Iliman Ndiaye has admitted he faces mixed emotions as the countdown continues to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, with the tournament once again clashing with the height of the European club season.

The competition, scheduled from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026, will see leading African players leave their clubs during a crucial run of fixtures.

The longstanding scheduling dispute, which resurfaces every two years, has continued to generate tension between clubs and national federations — and players themselves are increasingly caught in the middle.

Ndiaye, who joined Everton with high expectations to make a decisive impact in the Premier League, finds himself preparing for a tournament he cherishes while knowing the impact his absence may have on his club campaign.

Speaking in a detailed interview released by Everton, the forward was honest about the internal conflict he feels.

“I think about it a little bit, he concedes when asked about the approaching AFCON in Morocco. On the pitch, when I’m playing, I’m fully focused and I don’t feel that way. But as soon as I get home and talk to my family about it, their enthusiasm reminds me of the importance of the tournament. Of course, it’s not ideal because it falls right in the middle of the season and I’ll miss a few games. It’s a huge competition and opportunity, and I just wish it was played at a different time so I could play all of Everton’s games too. It’s frustrating because I want to play every game possible, but that’s the way it is and I can’t change it.”

His reflections underline a growing concern shared across Europe — the risk of losing key personnel during the winter period.

For Everton, already battling to build consistency, the absence of an influential attacking player could significantly affect their ambitions in both league and domestic cup competitions.

Yet for Ndiaye, the chance to represent Senegal on the continent’s biggest stage remains deeply meaningful.

The Teranga Lions are expected to be strong contenders for the title, continuing the legacy of their continental triumph in recent years.

For his family, as he indicated, it is a source of immense pride — another layer to a decision he cannot ignore.

As December approaches, national team preparations will intensify, and Everton supporters will begin looking to the fixtures their side must navigate without some of its most valuable talents.

Ndiaye, like many African stars, will soon be reminded that international glory often comes with professional sacrifices.