Xabi Alonso reveals 2023 AFCON concerns

Leverkusen's Victor Boniface celebrates after scoring the team's third goal during the UEFA Europa League Group H soccer match between Bayer Leverkusen and BK Hacken in Leverkusen, Germany, 21 September 2023. EPA/Christopher Neundorf

by Staff Reporter

Saturday Nov 11, 2023. 15:00

Bayer Leverkusen manager Xabi Alonso has raised concerns over the upcoming 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals.

The biggest football tournament in Africa is set to be staged in Ivory Coast between 13 January and 11 February 2024.

Nigeria duo Victor Boniface and Nathan Tella, and three African players in Alonso’s Leverkusen side are likely to be included in the national team squads for the tournament.

“It is a concern for January and February, perhaps not having five players. It is a reality. We have to accept that,” Alonso said on Transfermarkt.

Moroccan forward Amine Adli, Burkina Faso central defender Edmond Tapsoba, and Ivorian defender Odilon Kossounou are the other players Leverkusen could miss during the AFCON finals.

Tella was born in London, England to Nigerian parents and the winger has agreed to play for the Super Eagles.