Vincent Enyeama Raises Concerns Over 2015 AFCON Amid Ebola Fears
By BBC Sport Africa | Lagos
As the Confederation of African Football (CAF) prepares to make a crucial decision on the potential postponement of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Nigerian goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama has voiced rare and candid concerns about the health risks of holding the tournament amid the Ebola outbreak.
In a frank interview with beIN Sports, the veteran Super Eagles shot-stopper did not shy away from addressing the gravity of the situation.
“We know the current situation in the world,” Enyeama said. “A lot of people are going to travel. I really hope it [the tournament] doesn’t happen.”
He elaborated on the unique cultural and social dynamics of football in Africa, where close contact with fans and communities is common. “When you go to Africa, everyone hugs you, shakes your hand. What can you do about it? There’s a risk,” he noted.
The 2015 edition of the tournament is currently scheduled to be held in Morocco, but the North African nation has formally requested a postponement due to fears over the spread of the Ebola virus, which has severely affected parts of West Africa. CAF is set to decide on Morocco’s request on November 2.
While Enyeama acknowledged the seriousness of the concerns, he also made it clear that the ultimate decision lies with the authorities.
“I’m not CAF. I don’t make the decisions,” he said. “If the CAN [AFCON] takes place and we qualify, I’ll play.”
Nigeria’s path to the tournament remains uncertain. The defending champions are currently third in their qualifying group, trailing behind South Africa (8 points) and Congo (7 points), with just 4 points after four matches.
The debate over whether to proceed with AFCON has sharply divided opinion among players, officials, and fans. While some argue that the competition must go ahead to preserve the integrity of the sport, others, like Enyeama, are urging caution in light of the potential health risks.
With the deadline for CAF’s decision approaching, the footballing world watches closely — not just to see who qualifies, but whether the continent’s premier tournament will go ahead at all.
